Christuskirche

In the charming town of Pinneberg, nestled within the picturesque region of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, stands the magnificent Christuskirche. This neo-Gothic brick church, with its towering 46-meter spire, is not only an architectural gem but also a beacon of historical significance and spiritual solace for the local community.

The History of Christuskirche

The origins of Christuskirche date back to the mid-19th century, a time when the Lutheran residents of Pinneberg aspired to have their own place of worship. Despite initial resistance from the neighboring parish of Rellingen, the determined Lutherans founded a church-building association in 1849. Over the years, they managed to gather an impressive sum of 40,000 gold marks for the construction of their church.

The turning point came in 1875 when Pinneberg was granted town rights, which bolstered its efforts to establish an independent parish. The official formation of the Pinneberg parish took place on June 1, 1890, with Hugo Wurmb as its first pastor. Initially, services were held in a former furniture warehouse on Bahnhofstraße 23, but the vision of a grand church was soon to be realized.

With additional financial support from the royal consistory and the government, construction of the church began in April 1894 under the supervision of architect Hugo Groothoff. The foundation stone was laid on June 17, 1894, and by December of the same year, the exterior work was completed. The church, originally named Kirche zu Pinneberg, was inaugurated on March 31, 1895. Two years later, the parsonage, also designed by Groothoff, was finished.

In 1941, the church was renamed Christuskirche, and a nearby chapel on Kirchhofsweg was designated as Lutherkirche. The post-World War II era saw a significant increase in Pinneberg’s population due to the influx of refugees, leading to the establishment of additional evangelical congregations in the area.

The Architectural Marvel of Christuskirche

Christuskirche is a striking example of neo-Gothic architecture, characterized by its cruciform layout and intricate brickwork. The church features a central nave designed to accommodate 750 seats, flanked by two narrow aisles and a spacious transept. A prominent pointed arch marks the transition from the nave to the polygonal chancel, adding to the grandeur of the interior.

One of the notable design elements is the large round windows in the transept, a signature feature of Groothoff’s church designs, which allow ample natural light to flood the interior. The exterior of the church is adorned with various extensions, including a stair tower and a sacristy, creating an asymmetrical yet visually captivating facade.

Remarkably, Christuskirche survived both World Wars without damage. In 1961, the masonry was repointed, and the gutters, downspouts, and lightning protection system were renewed. Following a storm in 1988, the slate tiles on the roof were replaced.

Restoration and Modernization

In the mid-1960s, the church underwent significant interior renovations led by architect Hans-Joachim Meier. The goal was to create a brighter and more welcoming space. Neo-Gothic pointed arches were bricked up, old murals were painted over, and the cathedral windows were either replaced or bricked up. The galleries were clad with slate tiles, and the old wooden altar and pulpit were removed.

However, in the early 2000s, efforts were made to restore the interior to its original state. Under the guidance of architect Gunnar Seidel, extensive reconstruction work was carried out, costing 470,000 euros. A modern heating system was also installed. Unfortunately, the original wooden altar, pulpit, and leaded cathedral windows could not be reinstated as their whereabouts remained unknown.

Notable Features and the Organ

Since February 1895, the church tower has housed two bells, adding to the auditory charm of the church. One of the oldest pieces of church furniture is a baptismal font with a lid, which has been in use since the church’s inauguration.

The original organ, built by Ernst Röver in 1896, underwent major modifications by the Kemper company in 1956 and 1968, resulting in what was essentially a new instrument. In 2008, plans were set in motion to build a new organ that would emulate the sound of the original Röver organ. This endeavor culminated in the inauguration of the new Baumhoer organ on October 5, 2014. The new organ, which cost 500,000 euros, incorporates approximately six restored Röver registers and features a unique chest valve designed to allow for high wind pressure, reminiscent of the original instrument.

Christuskirche stands as a testament to the resilience and dedication of the Pinneberg community. Its rich history, architectural splendor, and spiritual significance make it a must-visit landmark for anyone exploring the region. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a moment of tranquility, Christuskirche offers a captivating experience that resonates with the soul.