A red brick church stands before you. This is Samuels Kirke. Its story begins not with grandeur but with a simple need. In 1923 Simeon’s parish district was too large. A new parish was needed. They named it Samuels sogn after the prophet Samuel.
For the first years services were held elsewhere. Kingo’s church and Simeon’s church hosted the growing congregation. Finally in 1924 the cornerstone of Samuels Kirke was laid. Carl Schiøtz designed this remarkable building. His vision was a church of strong Gothic forms. The distinctive Tudor arches are rare in Danish architecture.
The crypt was completed first. It served as a temporary church until the main building was finished. It opened in 1925. The main church followed in 1932. The building cost a total of 330000 kr. A considerable sum for the time. The money came from the Copenhagen Church Fund and local donations.
Notice the church’s lack of a tower. Schiøtz initially wanted one. But the funds were unavailable. Inside the high ceilings and bright white walls create a sense of space. Look for the large stained glass window in the west. The high gilded cross on the altar is another prominent feature. The original Frobenius organ was replaced in 2001 with a larger Swedish one. That same year a copy of Thorvaldsen’s Christ figure was added.
More than just a church Samuels Kirke fostered a vibrant community. Long before its official opening in 1932 various groups formed. A Young Women’s Christian Association started in 1908. A Sunday school opened in 1910. A men’s group began in 1921. By 1926 there was even a church-run kindergarten. The church also had its own scout group a Blue Cross chapter and a nursing service. The level of community engagement was truly impressive.
The church’s life was not without its changes. Samuels sogn merged with Kingo’s sogn in 2008. Sadly after a decision to close Samuels Kirke the final service was held in 2013. The building now serves a different purpose. It has been transformed into housing for young people and families. While the church no longer serves its original purpose its legacy lives on. The building stands as a testament to the community spirit and the architectural style of its time.