Heimkehrer-Dankeskirche

Heimkehrer-Dankeskirche is a filial church in Weitmar with a large interior hall, a flat gabled roof, and stained glass windows depicting themes related to war and imprisonment. The building includes a crypt with a memorial site and museum displaying items from prisoner of war camps alongside various artistic works.

The church was built in 1960 on the initiative of Vicar August Halbe, who spent five years as a prisoner of war in the Ural region. His personal experience shaped the founding and purpose of this place as a memorial for those who returned home.

The name refers to those who returned from war, and the space serves as a place of remembrance for these experiences. The artworks and displayed objects inside reflect personal stories of captivity and survival that visitors can encounter today.

The church hosts regular religious services and special commemorative gatherings, particularly on the Sunday following Pentecost. Visitors should check opening times in advance, as it remains an active place of worship with set schedules.

The large choir window titled 'Song of the Young Men in the Furnace' was created by Wilhelm de Graaf, an artist who himself had returned from war. His artistic creation thus connects the personal journey of the creator with the broader experiences that visitors come to reflect upon.

Location: Bochum

GPS coordinates: 51.44170,7.21072

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:42