“Quiet,” I say. “Can you hear the echoes of a community’s dreams in the stones of Versöhnungskirche Rath?” This isn’t just a building. It’s a testament to faith and reconciliation in Cologne.
Versöhnungskirche Rath, or Reconciliation Church, stands as a simple tent-like structure. It has a bell tower, a community center, and even a kindergarten. It’s been a pillar of the Protestant community in Rath-Heumar for over half a century.
Let’s journey back to the mid-20th century. Imagine a Cologne recovering from war. The Protestant population in Rath grew significantly. Many people were refugees from former German territories seeking new lives. The small meeting room they used was no longer sufficient. A proper church was needed.
In those early days, Protestants in Rath belonged to Kalk parish. Those from Heumar were part of Porz parish. They gathered in a small prayer room on Wodanstraße. It held only about 90 people. For larger events, they used the Gustav-Adolf-Haus in Humboldt-Gremberg. Klaus Weißhaar remembers being confirmed there in 1948. It was the last confirmation held there. Soon the prayer room became too small.
The desire for their own church grew stronger. Pastor Herbert Noelle spearheaded the effort. But a lack of funds kept delaying the project. Klaus Weißhaupt, a member of the church council, recalled the difficulty in raising money. Finally, in 1958, the church received a grant from the state church office. The community raised funds themselves. They also secured a loan. In total, they needed 223500 DM for the new building.
The location chosen was on Erlöserkirchstraße. It was very close to the Catholic Church of the Divine Savior. The foundation stone was laid on May 16, 1959. Eight months later, on January 31, the new church was consecrated. Klaus and Helga Weißhaar were the second couple married in Versöhnungskirche Rath.
Over the years, Versöhnungskirche Rath expanded. A kindergarten was built in 1970. A community center was added in 1979. This completed the ensemble of the community.
The Versöhnungskirche Rath fostered strong ecumenical ties. The proximity to the Catholic church led to close relationships. Pastor Gerhard Wenzel intensified these connections. For years they have held an ecumenical service to open the Rath-Heumar music festival. They also commemorate the deceased together.
Sometimes, the close proximity caused amusing mix-ups. Once, wedding flowers were delivered to the Catholic church by mistake. There was a baptism taking place there at the same time.
The 50th anniversary of Versöhnungskirche Rath was celebrated with a three-day festival. There was a party. Kabarettist Martin Funda performed. People gathered around a bonfire to sing. The final day included a festive service. There were lectures on the church’s history. There were games for children. Several choirs and musicians performed.
Today, Versöhnungskirche Rath continues to be a vital part of the community. It symbolizes reconciliation and unity. It brings together diverse groups in faith and fellowship. As you stand here, remember the dedication of those who built this church. Appreciate its role as a beacon of hope and community in Rath-Heumar.