Imagine this scene. It’s 1937 in Bohnsdorf, a district experiencing growth. The community gathers not just for a building but for a beacon of hope. This is the Paul-Gerhardt-Gemeindeheim.
The Paul-Gerhardt-Gemeindeheim stands as a testament to faith and community resilience. It is named after Paul Gerhardt. He was a 17th-century pastor known for his hymns. His legacy echoes through these halls.
Back in the late 1920s, Bohnsdorf’s Falkenhorst settlement grew. More homes meant more people needing a place to worship. The old village church was too small. So, the community started meeting in a temporary room. It was located on Waltersdorfer Stra\u00dfe.
The dream of a proper church sparked a fierce debate. Some, influenced by the KPD, opposed it. They rallied under slogans like “Proletarians need no churches”. But supporters emphasized the church’s social work. They highlighted the church’s importance to the community.
In April 1937, the cornerstone was laid. By November 7, 1937, the Paul-Gerhardt-Gemeindeheim opened its doors. Architect Otto Risse designed it. He also worked on the Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Gemeindeheim.
The Paul-Gerhardt-Gemeindeheim includes a main building. Inside is a large church hall. A side wing houses smaller meeting rooms. It also includes apartments for church staff. These apartments once housed a parish nurse and deacon. Today, they are for the church warden and kindergarten teacher. A separate bell tower connects both buildings.
Inside, the church hall feels like a village space. Wooden pillars support the ceiling. Wrought-iron lamps light the room. In 1952, a Sauer organ was installed.
The original bronze bells were melted down for the war in 1942. Generous donations allowed the church to buy new iron bells in 1955. These bells bear inscriptions. One says “O Land, Land, Land, hear the word of the Lord”. The other reads “Sing to the Lord a new song”.
From 1942, the Catholic community also held services here. They used the church until 1995. That’s when they got their chapel in Hedwigsh\u00f6he Hospital.
After World War II, the Paul-Gerhardt-Gemeindeheim became a refugee camp. In the early 1950s, it also housed a daycare center.
Celebrations marked the Paul-Gerhardt-Gemeindeheim’s anniversaries. The 25th was in 1962. The 50th featured a week of festivities. These included brass band performances and concerts.
Today, the Paul-Gerhardt-Gemeindeheim remains a meeting place for all ages. It hosts confirmation classes. It is also home to a weekly senior cafe. It is the second preaching venue in the district. The church office is also located here.
The Paul-Gerhardt-Gemeindeheim is more than bricks and mortar. It is a symbol of community spirit. It is a place where faith meets action. It connects generations. It continues to serve Bohnsdorf.