Alte Kirche Wupperfeld
A once-beloved church and community hub, controversially demolished despite preservation efforts and its excellent condition.
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Alte Kirche Wupperfeld
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A once-beloved church and community hub, controversially demolished despite preservation efforts and its excellent condition.
"Truly the most beautiful church in the city, and a prime example of cultural decline."
Understand the Controversy
Learn about the local outcry and the reasons behind the church's demolition to appreciate its history.
Appreciate its Musical Past
Research the Bergische Kantorei and the church's history of hosting fantastic concerts.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Loss of a Community Hub
Once the most attended church in the region, it hosted concerts and events, serving as a vital community space.
Architectural Gem
Praised as the most beautiful church in Wuppertal, it boasted excellent condition and accessibility.
Restored Organ and Music Legacy
A significant private donation funded a 100,000 EUR organ restoration, supporting the renowned Bergische Kantorei.
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Planning Your Visit
A Beloved Landmark Lost
Community Outcry and Preservation Efforts
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Understand the Controversy
Learn about the local outcry and the reasons behind the church's demolition to appreciate its history.
Appreciate its Musical Past
Research the Bergische Kantorei and the church's history of hosting fantastic concerts.
Explore Wuppertal's Schwebebahn
While the church is gone, Wuppertal's unique Schwebebahn (suspension railway) is a must-see! +1
Tips
from all over the internet
Understand the Controversy
Learn about the local outcry and the reasons behind the church's demolition to appreciate its history.
Appreciate its Musical Past
Research the Bergische Kantorei and the church's history of hosting fantastic concerts.
Explore Wuppertal's Schwebebahn
While the church is gone, Wuppertal's unique Schwebebahn (suspension railway) is a must-see! +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Alte Kirche Wupperfeld is remembered with deep affection as a beautiful, well-attended church and a vital community and music hub. Its controversial demolition has left locals feeling a profound sense of loss and disillusionment with church leadership, viewing it as a significant cultural decline.
"It is speechless and shocking to see the scandalous circumstances under which those in charge of the Protestant church in the valley destroyed this important church. It was by far the best attended church in the Wupperfeld region, with visitors from across the region. There were viable financial concepts which were not accepted. At no point in time was there even the slightest interest in preserving this important church and the adjacent former parish hall with its several halls, stage, kitchen and training rooms; even though everything was in excellent condition and the church is wheelchair accessible. Despite all the protests, it was not only closed but also quietly and secretly deconsecrated. Just a few years earlier, the organ had been restored with 100,000 EUR in private donations. It was the home of the Bergische Kantorei. But not one !!!! of the church officials in Wuppertal had ever attended a concert or one of the major events. The only aim was to shut down Wupperfeld. Quote from a person in charge who never visited the church: "The wrecking ball will help here."
...Note: The Old Church in Wupperfeld was the church in the best condition.
...but at least its own wasn't being restored...
Overall, a scandal. Purely political. It still needs to be examined...
If I were a Wuppertal resident, I would seriously consider leaving the Protestant Church in Wuppertal and using the money I saved directly for social causes and church music."
Andi Pä
"The most beautiful church in Wuppertal, and above all, with fantastic concerts! It's unbelievable that the building will likely be abandoned financially. The Protestant church abandoned this building long ago. Cultural decline par excellence..."
tamara lala
"Truly the most beautiful church in the city.
And also a prime example of the absolute ignorance of the Gemarke presbytery, so blatantly abandoning their parishioners in Hatzfeld, Wupperfeld, and soon also in Heidt, while throwing untold money out the window on a poor copy of a city church in Barmen."
Dennis E. Herder
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Frequently Asked Questions
🎫 ⛪ History & Demolition
The Alte Kirche Wupperfeld was a prominent Protestant church in the Wupperfeld region of Wuppertal, Germany. It was known for being the best-attended church in the area and a significant cultural and musical venue.
The demolition was a highly controversial decision by church officials, described as 'scandalous' and 'purely political' by locals. Despite protests and viable preservation concepts, the church was closed and deconsecrated.
Yes, reviews consistently state that the church was in excellent condition, even described as 'the church in the best condition' and 'truly the most beautiful church in the city.' It was also wheelchair accessible.
The Bergische Kantorei was a renowned choir that called the Alte Kirche Wupperfeld its home. The church's history is closely tied to its vibrant musical life, supported by a recently restored organ.
The church itself has been demolished. However, the history and the strong community sentiment surrounding its loss remain.
🎫 🎶 Music & Culture
The church hosted fantastic concerts and major events, making it a significant cultural hub. The Bergische Kantorei was a prominent ensemble that performed there.
Yes, the church featured a recently restored organ, which was funded by 100,000 EUR in private donations, highlighting its importance for musical performances.
Adjacent to the church was a former parish hall with several halls, a stage, kitchen, and training rooms, all in excellent condition and utilized for community activities.
The church's legacy is one of cultural richness and musical excellence, with many lamenting the 'cultural decline' following its closure and demolition.
🕐 🤔 Local Sentiment
Locals express deep disappointment and anger, calling the demolition a 'scandal' and a 'cultural decline.' Many feel abandoned by church officials and question the financial decisions made.
Yes, there were protests and 'viable financial concepts' presented to preserve the church, but these were reportedly not accepted by church leadership.
Some residents suggest that if they were to leave the Protestant Church in Wuppertal, they would use the saved money directly for social causes and church music, reflecting their disillusionment.
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Community Advocates & History Enthusiasts
Consider exploring local archives or historical societies in Wuppertal for more in-depth information. The narrative highlights the challenges faced by historic buildings and the importance of community advocacy in preserving cultural landmarks.
Music Aficionados
While the venue is gone, you can still seek out performances by the Bergische Kantorei or other choirs in Wuppertal to experience the continuation of this musical legacy. Researching the church's past concert programs can offer a glimpse into the rich cultural life it once hosted.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Controversial Demolition of Alte Kirche Wupperfeld
Protests and alternative financial plans were reportedly ignored. One quote from a church official, 'The wrecking ball will help here,' encapsulates the perceived dismissiveness towards the church's value. The adjacent parish hall, also in good condition and equipped with various rooms, a stage, and kitchen facilities, was also part of the demolition.
The loss is seen by many as a symbol of 'cultural decline' and a failure of leadership within the Protestant church in Wuppertal. The sentiment is that the church abandoned its parishioners and its heritage in favor of other, less impactful projects.
A Legacy of Music and Community
A substantial investment was made in the church's musical heritage with a 100,000 EUR restoration of its organ, funded entirely by private donations. This underscores the deep connection the community felt to the church and its musical offerings. The loss of this venue has been mourned by music lovers and those who valued its contribution to the cultural landscape of Wuppertal.
Beyond concerts, the church and its parish hall served as a versatile space for various activities, including training rooms. Its accessibility, including for wheelchair users, made it a welcoming venue for all. The demolition represents not just the loss of a building, but the erasure of a cherished space for community gathering and artistic expression.
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