What if a church became a focal point for a community’s transformation? The Neuapostolische Kirche Dortmund-Eving stands as a testament to faith. It also represents community evolution in the face of industrial change.
Let’s step back to the early 20th century. The establishment of the Zeche Minister Stein mine in Eving spurred rapid industrialization. Workers flocked to the area. They needed homes. Settlements sprung up. By 1933, Eving had over 21000 residents. Amid this growth, a small group of Neuapostolic Christians emerged. They were supported by leaders from Dortmund-Nord. These individuals began sharing their faith with the people of Eving.
While the precise founding date of the Neuapostolische Kirche Dortmund-Eving is lost to history, records show services started in 1929. Initially, worship took place in private homes. Later, the congregation gathered at the Graf-Konrad-School. Around 1933, they moved to the “Kleine Mowe” inn. Priester Jakob Schneider was the first leader.
The early years offer glimpses into the church’s activities. By December 25, 1932, and March 15, 1933, services were held. On December 25, 1938, Hirte Moohs became responsible for Dortmund-Huckarde and Dortmund-Eving. From late 1947, the community met for worship at the Elisabeth School.
World War II disrupted this progress. Eving’s members joined services at Dortmund-Nord during the war. However, post-war saw renewed growth. From 1950 to 1959, 183 members were sealed in Eving. In 1954, the Neuapostolische Kirche acquired land on Evinger Stra\u00dfe 247. Construction began in early 1959.
By early 1960, the Neuapostolische Kirche Dortmund-Eving had 393 members including 101 children. Stammapostel Walter Schmidt dedicated the new church on September 29, 1960. On April 1, 1982, Dewan Chowdhury was appointed Unterdiakon. He ministered to Asian visitors.
In 2003, the Neuapostolische Kirche Dortmund-Eving had 250 members. A significant renovation in 2008 made the church accessible. The project cost around 100000 euros. An elevator allowed disabled access to the 450-seat sanctuary. That summer, leaders decided to merge Dortmund-Nord with Dortmund-Eving.
Apostel Dewan Golam Sarwar Chowdhury became familiar with the Neuapostolische Kirche in Eving. He served there as Unterdiakon, Diakon, and Priester. He retired in 2012. Georg Becker was a leader and music director. He composed the famous hymn “Betende H\u00e4nde”.
The Neuapostolische Kirche Dortmund-Eving stands as a symbol of faith and community. It highlights Dortmund’s changing landscape. It shows how a church can evolve while holding onto its core values. It reflects the dedication and transformation of its members. The Neuapostolische Kirche Dortmund-Eving is not just a building. It is a living story of faith in action.