Did you know that St Johannes Church in Mannheim wasn’t always where it stands today? This magnificent building the last work of architect Heinz Hess is a testament to faith and community. It stands proudly in the heart of Rheinau-Süd at the Marktplatz. But its story begins much earlier.
In the 1930s a settlement sprung up south of Mannheim. This settlement was built by IG Farben a company that would later become BASF. Catholics in this area initially fell under the care of St Antonius Church in Rheinau. However the community grew. A small church was built in 1954 to accommodate the increasing number of Catholic residents. This smaller St Johannes Church held only 200 people. It proved insufficient after only 30 years. The structure was deemed unsafe needing demolition. Adding to this the city planned a new road that would require the demolition of the church.
Thus began the journey to build the St Johannes we see today. The cornerstone was laid on June 2 1985. The first service was held at Christmas 1986. The official consecration came on August 30 1987 by Bishop Karl Gnädinger. The church now acts as more than just a place of worship. It’s a community center housing a hall youth room and even a kindergarten accommodating 100 children. This reflects the vision of a comprehensive community hub.
The church’s artistic elements are a highlight. Elisabeth T Veith played a key role. The altar was designed to complement the architecture. Even the altar stone from the old church a 35×35 cm marble slab found a home in the new St Johannes Church in 2005. A John the Baptist statue and a wooden cross were also preserved and moved to this location. The striking concrete statue of John the Baptist outside was a donation from the construction company that built the complex. It was sculpted by Leo Janischowsky.
In 2001 the St Johannes community joined forces with several other southern Mannheim parishes forming a larger pastoral unit. This strengthened the bonds between various Catholic congregations in Mannheim. St Johannes therefore stands not just as a building but a symbol of enduring faith community growth and architectural vision in Mannheim. It’s a place of worship and a vibrant community center.