Deutsche Evangelische Christuskirche facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Deutsche Evangelische Christuskirche (German Christ Church) |
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| Location | Montpelier Place, Knightsbridge, London |
| Country | UK |
| Denomination | German Protestant Church |
| Tradition | Augsburger Confession |
| Website | http://www.ev-kirche-london-west.org.uk |
| History | |
| Founder(s) | Baron Sir John Henry William Schröder |
| Dedicated | 27 November 1904 |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Edward Boehmer Charles G. F. Rees |
| Completed | 27 November 1904 |
| Administration | |
| Synod | Synod of German-Speaking Lutheran, Reformed and United Congregations in Great Britain |
The Deutsche Evangelische Christuskirche, also known as the German Christ Church, is a special church located in Knightsbridge, London. It's on Montpelier Place. A German theologian named Julius Rieger once said it was the most important German church in all of London.
Contents
History of the German Christ Church
This church grew from an older group of worshippers. This group, called a congregation, was known as the German Chapel Royal. They used to meet in places like the Savoy Chapel and St James's Palace in Westminster.
Before that, another German Lutheran group met in a different part of London. They were at Holy Trinity the Less until the 1860s. Later, they moved to the Hamburg Lutheran Church. This church was next to the German Hospital in Dalston.
Around 1901, the official royal department stopped supporting German church services at the Chapel Royal. So, the German congregation had to find a new home. They moved to the Eccleston Hall in Victoria.
Building the New Church
A kind man named Sir John Schroder, 1st Baronet paid for a new, dedicated church building. He did this to honor his late wife, Evelina. To make sure the church would always be looked after, a special agreement was made on December 20, 1904. This agreement helped to keep the building maintained.
The church building was designed by two architects. Their names were Edward Boehmer and Charles G. F. Rees. It was built by a company called Dove Brothers. Construction took place from 1904 to 1905.
The beautiful stained glass windows were created by several artists. These included Franz Xaver Zettler, Ostermann & Hartwein, and Schneiders & Schmolz.
Church Dedication and Importance
The church was officially opened on November 27, 1904. Many important people attended this special event. Among them were Count Johann Heinrich von Bernstorff and several members of royal families. These included Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein and Princess Marie Louise of Schleswig-Holstein. Also present were Prince Louis of Battenberg and Princess Victoria of Hesse and by Rhine.
In May 1946, Julius Rieger, a German Christian theologian, wrote a report. He stated that this was the most important German church in London. He also noted that many people attending the church at that time were refugees. They had come to London to escape Nazi Germany.
The Church Today
In 2012, the way the church was managed changed. Two separate groups now take care of different things. One group is responsible for the people who attend the church. The other group looks after the church building itself.
These two groups are registered as charities in England and Wales:
- THE CONGREGATION AT GERMAN CHRIST CHURCH LONDON (Charity No. 1149991)
- THE GERMAN CHRIST CHURCH LONDON CHARITY (Charity No. 251120)
The congregation of the German Christ Church is part of a larger group. This group is called the "Synod of German-Speaking Lutheran, Reformed and United Congregations in Great-Britain." A synod is like a council or meeting of churches. Besides the Christuskirche, this network includes other German-speaking congregations. You can find these in places like Oxford, Petersham, Farnborough, and Reading.
