Built in 1944 Simon Peters Kirke stands proudly on Amager. Its unusual appearance is the work of architect Poul Staffeldt Matthiesen. He designed the nearby Hojdevangskirken a few years earlier. The church’s story begins much earlier though in 1930. A congregation house served as a temporary church until the present building was completed. Pastor P L Jensen of Philips Church was a driving force behind its construction. He championed the project until 1938. Pastor Ulrich Molgaard then led the building committee.
Simon Peters Kirke’s construction was funded by the Church Foundation. Due to financial constraints it lacks a tower a common feature in Danish churches. The church’s architecture is a pastiche of 14th century Baltic Gothic style. This style is reflected in other Copenhagen churches from the same period.
The church’s first pastor Tage Schack had been at nearby Philips Kirke. He was deeply involved in the Tidehvervsbevaegelsen movement. Tragically his tenure was short. He was killed on April 10 1945 by members of the Hipo-korpset. This was due to their disapproval of his refusal to include a positive mention of a female informant executed by the Nazis in his eulogy. He didn’t even know the woman. A memorial stone stands before the church in his honor.
A fascinating detail is that Tove Fergo served as the parish priest from 1973. She was also a Member of Parliament for the Venstre party. She even became the Minister for Ecclesiastical Affairs between 2001 and 2005. The parish boasts approximately 9000 residents about 70% of whom are members of the established Church of Denmark.
Simon Peters Kirke stands as a testament to faith perseverance and a poignant reminder of a tragic event in Danish history. Its unique design and history make it a truly special place.