Built from bricks of a local kiln the Nazarethkirche stands proudly. It’s a simple yet elegant building. Its red-brown bricks are arranged in a pleasing pattern. The church is located on the southern edge of Eckenheim. This is where the Barchfeldstrasse meets the Eckenheimer Landstrasse.
The Nazarethkirche is more than just a pretty face. It’s the heart of the Evangelische Nazarethgemeinde. This community has called this place home since December 1 1929. The name Nazareth is a nod to Jesus’s hometown in Galilee. The congregation belongs to the Evangelical Church in Hesse and Nassau.
Eckenheim itself has a long and storied history. It was once part of the Bornheimerberg district. The German Order held the church patronage from 1252. The area then became part of the County of Hanau in 1320. Later it was under the rule of the Electorate of Hesse starting in 1736. Finally it became Prussian in 1866. In 1910 Eckenheim became part of Frankfurt.
For centuries Eckenheim’s churchgoers attended services in Preungesheim. This was because Eckenheim was a branch parish. The Reformation reached Eckenheim around 1548. A small wooden church was built. Sadly it burned down in the Thirty Years’ War in 1634. A new church was rebuilt in 1682 near the old cemetery. Even then Eckenheimers went to Preungesheim for most services. The Eckenheim church was only used for a few major holidays. It finally had to close in 1841 because it was falling apart. Services were temporarily held in the schoolhouse.
A new church a much grander one was needed. That’s why Simon Ochs designed and built the current Nazarethkirche. It was consecrated on November 15 1863. Eckenheim remained connected to Preungesheim until 1895. That year saw the creation of Eckenheim’s own parish.
The Nazarethkirche wasn’t done changing. It was renovated in 1890. The interior was adorned with murals and biblical verses. A major renovation in 1960 gave it a fresh whitewashed look. A new organ was built by Orgelbau Eisenbarth in 1963. This magnificent instrument has 21 registers. The church bells date from 1950. Several earlier bells were confiscated during World War I and II.
Today the Nazarethkirche stands as a testament to faith resilience and the rich history of Eckenheim. Step inside. Let the tranquil atmosphere calm your soul. Feel the weight of history within these walls. Marvel at the beauty of the simple yet majestic building. This church is a true treasure. It’s a place of peace and reflection for generations to come.