Dorper Kirche Solingen, church
The Dorper Kirche is a church building in Solingen built between 1913 and 1914 in the Art Nouveau style, featuring the characteristic architecture of that era. The structure contains stained glass windows from the 1950s, a large pipe organ with 30 registers, and a modern heating system installed during extensive renovations from 2005 to 2008.
The building was founded in 1913 when the growing southern neighborhood needed its own church and opened for worship in 1914. After heavy bombing in November 1944 and years of neglect, it was rebuilt and reopened in 1953 under architect Wilhelm Schrader, while a comprehensive restoration from 2005 to 2008 secured the structure for the future.
The church takes its name from the Dorp district, which merged with Solingen in 1889 and shaped local community life. The interior reflects different phases: the original simple arrangement of altar and pulpit, the modern stained glass windows from 1953, and the electric organ from the 1950s show how worship and community use evolved over time.
The building is reached through the main entrance, reinforced with a steel frame during the last renovation to ensure safe access. Inside, visitors find modern facilities such as a community room, small kitchen, and restrooms that were added during the restoration work.
A Stolperstein memorial in front of the church honors Dr. Fritz Wieter, a pastor of the 1930s who joined the resistance during the Nazi era and went missing in war in 1943. This small plaque preserves the memory of his courage and conviction during a time of great trial.
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