Church death in Ostholstein: New ways for old worshipers!

Church death in Ostholstein: New ways for old worshipers!

Eutin. In Ostholstein, the time of the churches is changing! The Evangelical Lutheran communities lost over three percent of their members last year, while the Catholic communities even count almost five percent fewer believers. The consequence? The parish of St. Vicelin closes the churches in Heiligenhafen, Grömitz and Malente. But what happens to these historical buildings? Here are three fascinating examples of how indeemed churches find a new destination!

A look at the former Catholic Church Maria Queen in Ahrensbök : she was profaned eleven years ago, the bell was removed, and today children play where faithful prayed. The Catholic congregation had sold the church due to an enormous renovation backlog. The renovation costs of 180,000 euros were intolerable for the small community of 600 members. After the closure, the municipality found Unterschlupf in the Evangelical Marienkirche, while the old church is now used as child day care and for the care of primary school children.

A new life for old walls

The Lutherkirche in Kleinmeinsdorf has been transformed into a lively village meeting since 2004! For a symbolic euro, the Evangelical Lutheran parish of Plön handed over the building to a support association. Concerts, readings and even flea markets take place here. The volunteers ensure that the building can be rented for up to 100 visitors for family celebrations.

The largest transformation experienced the Friedenskirche Eutin , which has been serving as a central archive of the Ostholstein church district since 2023. With optimal conditions for the storage of church records and historical documents, including a book from 1597, the archive is a true treasure house of history!