Pauluskirche

Pauluskirche in Plauen, nestled in the heart of Sachsen, Germany, stands as a beacon of history, resilience, and architectural splendor. This Evangelical-Lutheran church, consecrated on November 29, 1897, has witnessed the ebb and flow of time, from the bustling days of the German Empire to the tumultuous events of the World Wars, and continues to serve as a vibrant community hub today.

The Birth of Pauluskirche

As the 19th century drew to a close, Plauen was a city on the rise, driven by the forces of industrialization. The burgeoning population necessitated the construction of new places of worship. Up until then, the city had only two Protestant churches: the medieval Johanniskirche and the Baroque Gottesackerkirche, later known as Lutherkirche. The need for a third church became apparent, and thus, the idea for Pauluskirche was born as early as 1881.

However, the path to its construction was fraught with delays. Lengthy negotiations between the city council, which owned the land for the new church, and the church authorities postponed the start of the project for over a decade. It wasn’t until 1891 that an architectural competition was held, which was won by Georg Weidenbach from Leipzig. Superintendent Lieschke, a key figure in the church's establishment, played a pivotal role by advocating for the division of the city's largest parish into three smaller, independent ones: Johannis, Luther, and Paulus.

Finally, in 1893, the city council granted a larger plot of land to the Paulus parish. With the church plans approved in 1894, the foundation stone was laid on June 17, 1895, and by August 26, 1896, the church was ready for its topping-out ceremony.

Pauluskirche in the German Empire

From its consecration in 1897 until the end of the German Empire in 1918, Pauluskirche served not only as a place of worship but also as a garrison church for the 10th Royal Saxon Infantry Regiment No. 134 stationed in Plauen since 1903. The church’s significance extended beyond the spiritual realm, intertwining with the military history of the region.

During World War I, the church faced a unique challenge when 59 of its tin organ pipes were requisitioned for the war effort. It wasn't until 1921 that replacements for these pipes could be procured, allowing the church's Jehmlich organ to once again fill the air with its harmonious melodies.

Surviving World War II

Pauluskirche's location in the Bahnhofsviertel, Plauen’s railway district, made it particularly vulnerable during World War II. The area was heavily bombed, with approximately 90% of it being destroyed. Remarkably, the church remained unscathed for much of the war. However, on April 10, 1945, during the thirteenth air raid by the British Royal Air Force, the church suffered extensive damage. The roof of the nave was almost entirely destroyed, the tower spire collapsed after burning for an extended period, and all the windows were shattered. The interior was severely damaged, necessitating a complete renovation, and the Jehmlich organ was beyond repair. Miraculously, the altar and pulpit remained intact.

Reconstruction and Renewal

In the aftermath of the war, the community rallied to restore their beloved church. Initiated by local pastors and parishioners, the reconstruction began in 1946. By 1957, the church was rededicated, albeit with a much shorter tower than before. The spirit of resilience and renewal continued to define Pauluskirche in the post-war years.

In 2012, the church added a bilingual memorial plaque in the style of an epitaph in the nave's antechamber. This plaque honors U-boat captain Werner Hartenstein, a member of the Paulus congregation, who saved many lives during the Laconia incident in 1943. British survivors of the incident donated the plaque to mark the 70th anniversary, expressing their gratitude to Hartenstein. The church occasionally hosts commemorative events organized by the International Submarine Connection U 156 Plauen (ISCP), further cementing its role as a place of remembrance and reconciliation.

Pauluskirche Today

Today, Pauluskirche is one of three centers of the Evangelical-Lutheran Markus-Paulus congregation in Plauen, alongside Markuskirche and Paulushaus. The church is not only a place for regular worship services but also hosts spiritual concerts and various community activities. Following a resolution by the Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Saxony on April 16, 2018, the Markus-Paulus congregation was merged with several other parishes under the Kirchgemeindebund Plauen in January 2021.

The Bells and Organ

The bells of Pauluskirche resonate with a distinct harmony in the arrangement of b–des′–f′–as′. The first three bells, cast in steel by the Bochumer Verein, were consecrated on November 30, 1895, and the fourth bell, donated on July 8, 1897, completed the set. Each bell bears an inscription from the letters of Apostle Paul, adding a spiritual dimension to their sound.

The church’s organ, built in 1962 by Eule Orgelbau, features 40 registers across three manuals and a pedal. This slider chest organ, with its pneumatic register and mechanical action, continues to be a centerpiece of the church's musical heritage.

Pauluskirche in Plauen is more than just a historic building; it is a testament to the enduring faith and resilience of its community. With its rich history, architectural beauty, and ongoing role as a community hub, it remains a must-visit landmark for anyone exploring the cultural and spiritual heritage of Sachsen.