Picture this a simple building on Eysseneckstrasse 54. This unassuming structure houses the Mennonitische Gemeinde Frankfurt a vibrant community with deep historical roots. The Mennonite faith traces its origins back to the Anabaptist movement of the 16th century. These early Anabaptists faced intense persecution for their beliefs including adult baptism and pacifism.
In Frankfurt itself early Mennonite presence was minimal. There’s little evidence of significant Anabaptist activity during the Reformation era. A documented attempt by Mennonites from Switzerland to settle in Frankfurt in 1704 was unsuccessful. Their faith barred them from settling. A first recorded service for Mennonites in Frankfurt occurred much later in 1897. Around that time just over a hundred Mennonites lived in the Rhine-Main area. Only a little more than twenty resided in Frankfurt itself. These early Frankfurt Mennonites were served by traveling preachers.
The Mennonitische Gemeinde Frankfurt as we know it today emerged after World War II. Richard Wagner a key figure played a crucial role in establishing this community. He had moved to Frankfurt from Heidelberg and became an important organizer of the city’s Mennonite population. Some members came from the dissolved Darmstadt congregation. A larger group were refugees from West Prussia. They initially gathered for Bible studies in various locations. In 1947 the first services were held at the Mennonite Central Committee MCC building on Vogtstrasse 44.
The MCC had its European office there. It supported the building of the congregation. Services were held bi-weekly. By 1955 the MCC building was no longer available. The community formally constituted itself in 1948. Richard Wagner led as chairman and elder from 1948 to 1971. Other preachers assisted him. Through the dedication of members and support from the MCC and Mennonite settlement aid the community purchased its current building on Eysseneckstrasse 54.
To facilitate the purchase a registered association e V was officially founded in 1956. This legal form continues to the present day. The MCC and later the International Mennonite Organization IMO became tenants in the building. Their international aid work strongly shaped the character of the house until the early 1970s. Johannes Harder succeeded Wagner as elder from 1971 to 1983.
For many years the congregation lacked salaried ministers. Community members served as elders deacons and lay preachers. They were supported by other Mennonite communities and friends. Members further away in Wetzlar and Mainz were served with regular home services during the 1960s and 70s. The leadership structure with elders and deacons has evolved. The community work is primarily supported by preachers board members and many volunteers. The tradition of many members engaging in the preaching ministry is cherished. There is a simultaneous desire for a strong theological foundation.
In the early 1970s the Mennonitische Gemeinde Frankfurt hired its first preacher Abram Enns. This strengthened the community’s development. Several preachers served in subsequent years but none stayed long. This created gaps in the congregation’s work. Since 2001 Doris Hege has served as a continuous preacher and pastor. The active involvement of many members provides diverse community activities. These include Sunday services children’s church faith instruction a choir Bible study groups community Sundays and visiting services.
The community’s commitment is shown in supporting a primary school in Sogakope Ghana from 2007 to 2013. This was done in collaboration with the Mennonite Relief Service. The ‘Trauercafé Ginkgo’ a grief support group opened in 2015. People experiencing grief and loss are invited to meet and share once a month. Many hikes on pilgrimage trails around Frankfurt from 2007 to 2013 were also important community events. Membership has declined. It numbered 162 in 1973 128 in 1980 98 in 1990 84 in 2000 and 48 in 2017.
The Mennonitische Gemeinde Frankfurt is a member of the Southwest German Mennonite Congregations working group and the Mennonite Congregations in Germany working group. It participates at regional national and international levels. It’s represented in Mennonite organizations such as the Mennonite Relief Service and the South German Mennonite Youth Association. The community is also involved in ecumenical initiatives. For example it’s been a founding member of the Frankfurt Working Group of Christian Churches since 2008.