Nathan-Söderblom-Kirche

Nestled in the charming town of Reinbek, in the southern part of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, the Nathan-Söderblom-Kirche stands as a testament to modern ecclesiastical architecture and community spirit. This remarkable church, dedicated to the memory of Nathan Söderblom, a Swedish theologian and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, serves the Evangelical-Lutheran congregation of Reinbek-West, encompassing the districts of Hinschendorf, Wildenhof, and Klosterbergen.

The Architectural Marvel

Designed by the renowned Hamburg architect Friedhelm Grundmann, the construction of the Nathan-Söderblom-Kirche began in 1966 and was completed in 1968. The church complex includes a parish hall, a pastorate, and a sexton's apartment, although financial constraints prevented the full realization of Grundmann's ambitious plans. The church is oriented in the traditional east-west direction, with its strikingly modern design characterized by clear geometric forms and minimalistic window placements.

The building's exterior is a study in modernist architecture, with a facade that reveals the function of each structural component. The bell tower, a prominent feature, extends to the north and west, connected to the main church building by a bridge. The southern side of the church, facing the market, features a semi-circular gallery that juts out, while the entrance hall, located on the western side, is noticeably lower than the main nave. A skylight lantern adds a vertical dimension to the structure, and the staircase leading to the organ gallery is distinctly visible as a semi-circular element on the north side. The baptismal chapel, situated to the north of the altar on the eastern side, is an integral part of the church's cubic design.

The Interior Experience

Stepping through the main portal on the western side, visitors are immediately greeted by the altar area, elevated by three concrete steps above the nave. The altar, pulpit, and baptismal font are all crafted from concrete, emphasizing the church's modernist aesthetic. The nave is divided into a main section and two side aisles by concrete columns, creating a sense of openness and space.

The interior is adorned with four altar candlesticks, a crucifix, a baptismal bowl, and a lectern made of copper-plated steel, all designed by Hans-Werner Peters. The crucifix, in particular, is a poignant piece, depicting Christ as a victim of violence in remembrance of the Holocaust, a deliberate choice by Peters to evoke contemplation and reflection.

The Magnificent Organ

One of the highlights of the Nathan-Söderblom-Kirche is its impressive organ, built in 1972 by Jürgen Ahrend. Known as Opus 75, the organ's design by Grundmann complements the modernist style of the church interior, with its vibrant red color mirroring the church pews. The organ is a stylistic replica of a North German Baroque organ, featuring mechanical key action and historical tuning (Werckmeister III modified). It boasts 19 registers distributed across two manuals and a pedal, with mechanical action for both keys and stops. The organ also includes a Zimbelstern effect register and couplers II/I and I/P. The acquisition of this organ was part of an initial plan to establish the church as a concert venue, and the architect placed great importance on the church's acoustics to support this vision.

The Resonant Bells

The church's bell tower houses four large cast steel bells, installed on December 17, 1967. These bells were cast by the Bochumer Verein, which was part of the Krupp AG at the time. The heaviest bell, weighing 1080 kg, is tuned to A-flat major, while the three smaller bells, weighing 780 kg, 440 kg, and 360 kg, are tuned to E-flat, F, and B-flat minor, respectively. The largest bell, known as the Ecumenical Bell, bears the inscription For the Unity of the Church, a tribute to Nathan Söderblom's legacy.

The bells are named after themes from Acts 2:42: Community, Apostolic Teaching, Prayer, and Breaking of Bread, symbolizing unity, evangelism, piety, and peace. Additionally, a fifth bell, the Our Father Bell, hangs outside the portal and is rung during the Lord's Prayer in services, inviting those outside the church to join in prayer.

A Community Landmark

The Nathan-Söderblom-Kirche is more than just a place of worship; it is a beloved landmark for the residents of Reinbek. Its image is so iconic that the local EDEKA market has incorporated it into its logo. Adjacent to the entrance stands a concrete sculpture symbolizing the unity of the church in its diversity, although it remains unfinished. The church also features a unique rainwater collection system, with water channeled from the roof through a large rain spout into a concrete sculpture.

In conclusion, the Nathan-Söderblom-Kirche is a captivating blend of modern architecture, rich history, and community spirit. Whether you are a lover of contemporary design, a history enthusiast, or simply seeking a place of reflection, this church offers a unique and enriching experience. Its walls and bells echo the stories of faith, unity, and resilience, making it a must-visit destination in Reinbek.