Gethsemane Church: A piece of living history from Lößnig!

Gethsemane Church: A piece of living history from Lößnig!

The Gethsemane Church in Leipzig, an impressive example of sustainable construction, is the focus of the current part of the Leipzig series from Sonntag Sachsen. Built in 1877, it is considered the “cheapest church in Saxony” as it was built in just 11 months for 35,000 Reichsmarks. André Zimmermann, member of the church council, emphasizes that existing materials were used in the construction. Bricks from the previous building as well as foundations and furnishings were reused, making the Gethsemane Church a showcase project for sustainable construction.

The church is located in the Lößnig district at Raschwitzer Straße 10 and belongs to the Evangelical Lutheran parish in the south of Leipzig. It is easily accessible by tram line 10 (Loessnig stop) and bus lines 70 and 79. From May to September, the church can be visited daily between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., and regular services take place on Sundays at 11 a.m. The exhibition “Under Suspicion” can be viewed until October 3, 2023.

History of the Gethsemane Church

The roots of the Gethsemane Church go back a long way. In the 11th and 12th centuries, German farmers settled in the region, which led to the displacement of the Sorbian natives. The first documentary evidence of Lößnig dates back to 1040. German settlers brought their faith with them and began to build churches. The first church in Lößnig was probably a simple chapel made of field stones, which was later replaced by a field stone church with a tower, which was improved in the 18th century.

The historical development of the church is shaped by numerous events. A baptismal font was donated in 1582 and a pulpit was added in 1611. After the devastation during the Thirty Years' War, the church received a third bell in 1653. The last construction was made possible by the demolition of the previous building in 1876, and the new Gethsemane Church was consecrated on October 28, 1877. The construction manager Hugo Altendorff was responsible for this renovation, with the patronage of the church lying with the owner of the Leipzig-Lößnig manor.

Current developments and anniversary plans

In 2027, Gethsemane Church will celebrate its 150th anniversary. A comprehensive renovation of the outer shell and the reconstruction of the original decorative elements are planned in order to preserve the historical substance and preserve the church for future generations.

The interior offers an authentic insight into the history of the church with historical elements such as the baptismal font from 1582 and a crucifix from the former St. Mark's Church. A remarkable mural by Paul Edlich, which shows Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, has only been preserved in fragments, but gives an impression of the artistic design of the church in its early years.

Overall, the Gethsemane Church is not only a place of faith, but also an important cultural heritage and an example of the successful integration of historical elements into modern use. It remains an important attraction in the south of Leipzig.