Is there more to the Neuapostolische Gemeinde Hannover-Süd than meets the eye? Let me tell you a story. It is about a community and its devotion.
The Neuapostolische Gemeinde Hannover-Süd is a place of worship. It is located in the Südwest district of Hannover. It is part of the Kirchenbezirk Hannover. This church is a branch of the New Apostolic Church Nord- und Ostdeutschland.
The New Apostolic Church has a rich history. Its roots trace back to 1863. This was during a schism in Hamburg, Germany. It separated from the Catholic Apostolic Church. The Catholic Apostolic Church began in the 1830s. It was a renewal movement. It included the Anglican Church and Church of Scotland.
The New Apostolic Church believes in the Second Coming of Christ. Its doctrines are similar to mainstream Christianity. The church’s hierarchy resembles the Roman Catholic Church. It sees itself as a continuation of the Early Church. Its leaders are considered successors of the twelve apostles.
Inside the Neuapostolische Gemeinde Hannover-Süd, you will find a remarkable organ. It boasts 24 registers. Its manuals have a deep octave that is completely chromatic. The pedal also has a deep octave that is fully chromatic. The organ features 1,338 pipes. It was inaugurated on February 7, 2016.
The Hauptwerk includes a Bordun 16′, Prinzipal 8′, and Quintade 8′. There is also a Doppelflöte 8′ and Oktave 4′. A Traversflöte 4′ and Quinte 2 2/3′ add to the sound. It is rounded off with a Superoktave 2′ and Mixtur 4f. A Trompete 8′ completes the ensemble.
The Schwellwerk features a Holzgedackt 8′ and Salizional 8′. It also has a Prinzipal 4′ and Holzflöte 4′. There is a Rohrnasat 2 2/3′ and Waldflöte 2′. A Terz 1 3/5′ and Quintflöte 1 1/3′ add color. A Krummhorn 8′ rounds it out.
The Pedalwerk includes a Subbass 16′ and Prinzipal 8′. It also has a Bassflöte 8′ and Choralbass 4′. A Fagott 16′ completes the setup.
The organ features several accessories. These include Wind, Licht, and Tremulant for both Hauptwerk and Schwellwerk. A Zimbelstern adds a shimmering effect.
The organ has helpful features. These include couplers for Schwellwerk to Hauptwerk. There are also couplers for Hauptwerk to Pedal and Schwellwerk to Pedal. A setzer allows preprogramming of about 4,000 combinations.
The organ’s action is mechanical for the keys. The registration is electric. It is tuned to equal temperament. The organ is maintained every two years by Feopentow. Volunteer organists play the organ. It is used in services, events, and concerts.
Before this organ, there was a pneumatic organ. Lothar Wetzel from Hannover built it in 1949. Schmidt & Thiemann rebuilt it into a slider chest organ in 1971. In 1989, it became a combined pipe and computer organ. Hammer (pipes) and Ahlborn (electronics) created it. It had 56 registers. The old organ was removed in March/April 2014.
The Neuapostolische Gemeinde Hannover-Süd is more than just a building. It is a community with a rich history and a vibrant present. The magnificent organ enhances its spiritual life. It is a testament to the community’s dedication. Its music fills the space with reverence and joy. The church’s story is one of faith, music, and community. It enriches the cultural landscape of Hanover. It provides a spiritual home for its members.