Considering a house of worship born from a desire for local connection. This is the Wilhelm-Löhe-Gedächtniskirche. It stands as a testament to community spirit and remembrance in Ronhof.
Before 1960, Ronhof residents belonged to St. Michael. The journey was difficult. It led across the river. Occasional forest services took place in the Ronhofer forest or at the Regnitz. The growing population wanted its own church.
As early as 1938, a forest area was purchased in Ronhof as a building site. Reverend Paul Fronmüller was one of those who supported it. World War II paused the plans for a long time. The 150th birthday celebrations of Wilhelm Löhe in 1958 revived the plans. It was decided to name the church in his memory. Architect Fritz Fronmüller was commissioned with the planning.
The foundation stone was laid on May 24, 1959. Reverend Erich Gußmann officiated. After only 5 months of construction, the topping-out ceremony was celebrated on October 23, 1959. The Wilhelm-Löhe-Gedächtniskirche was consecrated on September 18, 1960. The four bells had already been installed on August 22. The bells weighed 120 to 450 kg. They were made in the Friedrich Wilhelm Schilling foundry in Heidelberg. Farmer Sippel brought them to the church construction site with his horse-drawn vehicle.
The community center was completed in 1965. Dean Rieger dedicated it on September 19. A renovation took place in the late 1980s. It was inaugurated in 1992. In 1981, the church board decided to pave the forecourt. They also created a parking lot, a fountain, and a quiet zone. Sculptor Heinz Siebenkäss from the community created the fountain.
Shortly after, cracks appeared in the 22-year-old tower. It was extensively renovated. The bells were rehung for better statics. They could be used again for the first Advent in 1983.
The Wilhelm-Löhe-Gedächtniskirche features a distinctive design. The canopy and its slender supports are typical of the construction period. Fritz Fronmüller designed the 21.5-meter-high tower as a campanile separate from the nave. Bronze panels by artist Heinz Heiber of Nuremberg adorn the entrance portal. They depict the six works of mercy.
The interior is almost square and undivided. Despite the clear spatial concept, the galleries still show the characteristics of a Protestant church. The ceramic image “Last Supper” above the altar is by Herbert Bessel of Nuremberg. It occupies a considerable part of the gable wall. The wall is completely covered with yellow-brown chamotte slabs. Natural stone steps lead to the altar. The altar, the baptismal font, and the monolithic pulpit are also by Herbert Bessel.
The baptismal font was placed in the church on August 5, 1960. Master stonemason Amesöder from Fürth donated it. It was made according to plans by Nuremberg artist Herbert Bessel. The simple baptismal font is made of sandstone. It is almost one meter high with an upper diameter of 90cm. It weighs six hundredweight. The lid serves as a baptismal bowl when turned upside down. It has the curved body of a fish as a handle. A human figure emerges from the fish’s mouth. It depicts the Old Testament figure of Jonah. He was saved from drowning in the belly of the whale. It symbolizes that baptism saves from death into eternal life. The inscription says: “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.”
The bronze cross on the altar is decorated with rock crystal stones. The Darmstadt artist Hans Philipp created it. He also created the bronze candle holders. Light enters indirectly through a colored glazed concrete honeycomb strip in the upper part of the northwest wall. The glass in the ornament bands is mouth-blown.
The organ on the rear part of the gallery comes from the world-famous Walcker organ building company in Ludwigsburg. It was consecrated on March 19, 1961. Since 1981, the fountain by Heinz Siebenkäss has been located in the front area of the church garden. It is made of red granite. It shows the four rivers of paradise. A bocce court is also available in the church garden. It is there for community members or anyone interested.
The Wilhelm-Löhe-Gedächtniskirche stands as a testament. It honors a local figure. It provides a space for worship and community.