The Church of the Redeemer is being renovated. There will be a big change: a church within the church. But what exactly is behind this concept?
Fürstenfeldbruck
– The Church of the Redeemer will be completely renovated from May. In order to make better use of the listed building, a church is to be built within the church - with a movable altar, lectern and baptismal font. The project will cost around one million euros. An art competition kicks off this weekend.
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For many years nothing happened in the Protestant church on Stockmeierweg. The white paint has turned dark and the plumbing is old. The parish is now spending around one million euros to restore its listed building. But not everything should stay the same, as Dean Markus Ambrosy explains. Rather, a smaller church space should be created - in the large church.
As a rule, not so many people attend church anymore, explains Ambrosy. “The community gets lost in such a large space.” The idea: the front four rows of pews give way to chairs. For organ concerts, they could even be rotated so that you are facing the instrument. In front of the steps leading to the high altar there will be a small altar, a lectern and a baptismal font. These can be put aside when large church services with up to 400 visitors are celebrated for confirmation, Christmas or other special occasions.
Renovation of the Church of the Redeemer: Art competition for the altar and baptismal font
To ensure that these liturgical objects fit into the spatial concept, the Evangelical Regional Church has organized an art competition. Six renowned artists will present their designs on Sunday, April 14th, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Church of the Redeemer. “They pestered us,” Ambrosy reports. He doesn't just expect suggestions that are based on the existing situation. “Art also has to provoke a little.”
People can leave feedback for the judges on cards provided. The jury will meet on Monday, April 15th, from 1 p.m. in the community hall. You can also take part here after registering by sending an email to pfarramt.erlöserkirche-ffb@elkb.de.
The previous baptismal font will be moved to the church square. “This means we can also celebrate baptisms outdoors,” explains the dean. In general, the space should be used more. A side entrance is installed that is also barrier-free.
Renovation of the Church of the Redeemer: The renovation will start in mid-May
In addition to painting the exterior and interior, the Church of the Redeemer will receive new lighting. Seven to eight scenarios illuminate the room in very different ways. The benches are being reworked. The rear area is brightened and becomes an entrance and space for receptions. Ambrosy emphasizes that he is grateful that the architect agreed to the concept. Because the believers have repeatedly emphasized that they have a lot in common with the church. Therefore the character should be preserved.
The church was actually supposed to be finished for its 100th anniversary in 2027. But due to the downturn in the construction industry, the craftsmen have time and now things are happening very quickly. After the confirmations, the congregation moves with all important items into the parish hall in mid-May, where services take place during the construction phase. Our Catholic colleague Pastor Otto Gäng offered the monastery church for the Christmas services. “This is a strong ecumenical gesture,” says Markus Ambrosy.
Once the organ is packed dust-tight, construction work begins. Everything should be finished in December. “Then the building has to rest for six weeks so that the dust settles.” Only then can the organ be unpacked and tuned again. The grand opening is planned for spring 2025.
Renovation of the Church of the Redeemer: The support association collects donations
The originally planned 850,000 euros has now become one million. The community raises most of it from reserves. A piece of land on which the deanery building stands was also sold to the deanery. “Without that we wouldn’t have been able to do it,” explains Ambrosy. The regional church, the monument office and the city of Bruck give money. A support association has also been formed that is diligently collecting donations. He wanted to raise around 200,000 euros in four years - now things just have to happen a little faster.
You can find even more current news from the Fürstenfeldbruck district at Merkur.de/Fürstenfeldbruck.