Question: Ever wondered how a community rebuilds its heart after devastation? Here we are in front of the Evangelische St. Thomaskirche. This church in Frankfurt’s Heddernheim district tells a story of resilience.
Let’s dive into the Thomaskirche’s past. The church’s story began long before this building existed. Heddernheim’s evangelicals initially attended services in Praunheim. Later, they were assigned to Eschborn. The distance made it difficult. So, they sought their own church.
In 1821, they inaugurated the Georgs-Kapelle. But after seventy years, the wooden structure became unsafe. It closed in 1893.
Fast forward to 1897. Architect Josef Dormann designed a new church. It was built fifty meters south. The Thomaskirche was consecrated on October 12, 1898. Its neogothic style and brick facade made it striking. The bricks came from local brickyards.
Tragedy struck during World War II. On March 22, 1944, air raids destroyed the church. Only the bell tower remained largely intact.
Reconstruction began in 1948. Architect Ernst Görcke oversaw the work. The tower’s spire was shortened. In 1949, the community chose the name St. Thomas. Some worried “St.” sounded too Catholic. But pastor Heinemann insisted Luther himself used it. The church was rededicated as St. Thomaskirche on October 26, 1950. A sacristy was added in 1964.
Notice the towering bell tower. It defines Heddernheim’s skyline. Parts of the original church were reused. The brown brick exterior remains. The high spire is gone. The interior changed too. A choir replaced the original chapel.
Inside the Thomaskirche, columns divide the space. Light streams through stained glass windows. These windows were designed by Wolfgang Germroth. Bernd Gossel crafted them in 1964.
Look for the large copper crucifix. Eduard Fischer created it. Heddernheim’s Heinrich Knorr crafted the altar from diabase. Knud Knudsen made a war memorial relief. Michael Siebel sculpted “Die Gemeinde.”
The Thomaskirche boasts an impressive organ. Originally built in 1952, it was renovated in 2020-2021. The bells of the Thomaskirche have a unique sound. They were made in 1921 and 1951.
The Evangelische St. Thomaskirche stands as a testament to faith. It reflects community spirit. It is a place of worship. It is a symbol of renewal.