Was it faith or necessity that brought the Catholic church of St. Patrokli to life here in Kirchhörde?
St. Patrokli stands as a testament to faith amidst industrial change. This church is part of a parish that includes other churches. These are St. Clemens, St. Franziskus Xaverius, Maria Königin and Heilige Familie.
Let’s step back in time. The original church in Kirchhörde was dedicated to Patroclus of Troyes. It later became Lutheran during the Reformation. As industrialization grew, so did the Catholic population. They yearned for their own place of worship.
Plans for St. Patrokli began in 1937. World War II, however, put everything on hold. After the war, about 180 Catholics gathered. They first met in Florian Klöckner’s villa. He was an entrepreneur and politician.
In 1948, a property was found for a new church building. Alfred Kalmbacher was the architect. His second design was approved in June 1951. St. Clemens managed the building project. Finally, on September 26, 1954, Franz Hengsbach consecrated St. Patrokli. An organ was added in 1956, built by Anton Feith.
Today, St. Patrokli continues to serve its community. It stands as a symbol of resilience. It is a testament to the enduring power of faith. The address of St. Patrokli is Am Truxhof 9, in Dortmund Kirchhörde. Take a moment to appreciate the dedication. Think about the people who built this church. They created a spiritual home in a changing world.