Christ the King in Frankfurt began renovation of their sanctuary recently with two goals in mind, according to Ansgar Richter, one of CtK’s two junior wardens. “One is safety and functionality. The building is from 1957, and the electrical system is still from that period.”
“The second is to make the church more beautiful. From a liturgical point of view, the current space leaves a lot to be desired,” he added. “We’re not going to create a palace, but we want to put in new lights, remove or reduce unnecessary things that are not being utilized. Just make the church more aesthetically appealing.” From a structural point of view, the space will stay the same, but they will paint the walls and ceiling in more appealing colors, put in new lights, renovate the floor, sand and lighten the pews, and create a meditative space near the baptismal font for smaller worship groups.
Richter admitted they are having to make investment choices. The new electrical system will include technological upgrades to allow for a new audio-visual system. The updates will also provide potential for solar panels in the future. “We at least want to lay the groundwork.”
“There’s been talk of renovation for decades; everyone’s recognized the need.” One fortuitous reason for the current project is that CtK now has an architect in the congregation who is supporting them. “I’m just glad it’s finally coming to fruition,” Richter added.
Initial funding is coming from the Walter and Marianne Stern Fund, former parishioners who left CtK a bequest to use as they saw fit. They have also received some commitments from members and friends of CtK; “we will seek to expand the funding base further,” Richter noted.
The congregation will meet in the undercroft for the time being, Richter said, and plans to be back in the main sanctuary for Easter.
The new envisioned look for Christ the King.