Hidden within Frankfurt’s Griesheim district stands the Segenskirche. Its red sandstone walls whisper tales of faith perseverance and community. This unassuming church holds a rich history. It’s more than just a place of worship. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of Griesheim.
For centuries Griesheim’s religious life was tied to Nied. Both towns belonged to the County of Hanau. The Lutheran Reformation arrived in 1554. This led to disputes with the Archbishopric of Mainz. In the 17th century few Protestants lived in Griesheim. They attended services elsewhere. A 1684 treaty transferred Griesheim and Nied to Mainz. Importantly it guaranteed religious freedom. This was in line with the Peace of Westphalia. In 1779 an evangelical pastor from Gutleuthof finally began officiating in Griesheim. In 1803 Griesheim and Nied became part of the Duchy of Nassau. A shared church in Nied served both communities until 1828.
A generous donation by Louise von Bose made a significant difference. It allowed Griesheim to establish its own evangelical parish in 1861. She even chose the first pastor Eugen Heydenreich. They selected a site on Alte Falterstrasse. This was the location of the first Griesheim cemetery from 1815 to 1830. Further funds were raised. Heinrich Burnitz designed the new church. The foundation stone was laid on October 20 1863. The Segenskirche was consecrated on September 20 1865.
The Segenskirche’s construction progressed in stages. A sandstone relief above the portal was added in 1881. Ludwig Hofmann designed the bell tower in 1893. It replaced the previous smaller tower. Floral motifs adorned the interior in 1894. An upper gallery was added in 1906. Otto Linnemann renovated the interior in 1925. World War II damaged the Segenskirche. It was painstakingly repaired by the community. Major renovations including stained-glass windows took place from 1955 to 1956 under Arnold Rakete’s supervision.
The Segenskirche showcases Neoromanesque style. Its hall church features a semicircular apse. The red sandstone exterior is enhanced by an arched frieze. Five arched windows grace the long walls. The eastern gable is partially plastered. The smoothly hewn sandstone portal contrasts with the rougher facade. Heinrich Petry’s relief depicts Jesus and the disciples at Emmaus. The interior is marked by a large arch before the choir. The visible roof structure and wooden beams echo the church’s neoromanesque style. A two-sided gallery stands before the light plaster walls. The stained glass windows designed by Hermann Goepfert were crafted at the Städelschule. They depict scenes from Genesis and Revelation. The church’s organ a Wilhelm Sauer opus 475 from 1887 originally resided in Laer Bochum. It found a new home in the Segenskirche in 1995. The Segenskirche’s four bells from the Rincker foundry bear witness to time. Three were confiscated during each World War.
The Segenskirche isn’t just a building. It’s a living testament. It stands as a beacon of faith community and resilience in Frankfurt’s rich history. Its bells still ring out hope. Its walls whisper stories of the past. The Segenskirche reminds us of our shared history and faith.