Doesn’t the Neuapostolische Kirche Lüneburg stand as a testament to faith and community? This church has a rich history in Lüneburg. It reflects the dedication of its members over many years.
The Neuapostolische Kirche Lüneburg’s story began around 1863. The church first emerged in Hamburg. Soon, new congregations formed. In 1882, Deacon Peter Jacob Popp established a congregation in Lüneburg. He later became a bishop. Services initially took place in a private home. This was at Schröderstraße 4 until 1910. Lüneburg was the second congregation. It was in the region of today’s Hamburg area. Hamburg-Lurup was the first.
By 1910, the Lüneburg congregation had 60 members. The private home was too small. A building was rented at Bardowicker Straße 24. This provided a solution to the space problem. The congregation held services here until 1930.
As the community grew, a more suitable location became necessary. A property was purchased at Salzstraße 15a. It is now Lambertiplatz. The rear part of the building complex was converted. It became a place of worship. On March 16, 1930, it was consecrated. This marked the congregation’s first dedicated meeting place.
After the Second World War, challenges arose. The church premises were temporarily seized. They housed displaced persons and refugees. Despite these significant disruptions, services continued. They were held in the apartment of the pastor. He lived in the same building complex. Space was very limited. A curfew was in effect. It affected evening services. Conditions improved in the summer of 1946. The church rooms were released. The worship hall was restored. It was used for religious purposes again.
The congregation continued to grow. By the end of 1952, it had 339 members. The church hall was often overcrowded. Due to a lack of space, the congregation was divided in 1953. It split into Lüneburg-West and Lüneburg-Ost. Lüneburg-West continued to meet at Salzstraße 15a. Lüneburg-Ost was allowed to use School IV. It was located at Bei der St. Johanniskirche 21. Today it is the Johannes-Rabeler-School.
The building in Salzstraße was in a subsidence area. This caused significant damage. In 1958, the entire complex was demolished. The two Lüneburg congregations reunited in December 1958. They gathered for services at School IV.
The current church is at Wilschenbrucher Weg 90 a. It was designed by architect Friedrich Wilhelm Steinbach. It was dedicated on July 4, 1959. Since then, the congregation has had a beautiful meeting place. It has about 250 seats. In 1974 and 1997, the church building was expanded. Additional rooms were added. These were for youth and children.
The Neuapostolische Kirche Lüneburg has around 440 members. Fourteen volunteer ministers serve the congregation. As of December 2015, they provide guidance and support. Today the Neuapostolische Kirche Lüneburg continues to be a vibrant community. It offers worship services. It also provides pastoral care. There are also activities for all ages. These include choir, Sunday school, and youth groups. The church stands as a beacon of faith in Lüneburg.