Laying the Cornerstone for the Elisabethkirche

After the naming ceremony at the entrance to the port and a subsequent tour of the emerging shipyard facilities, the laying of the cornerstone for the Elisabethkirche took place on the afternoon of 17 June 1869. For the ceremony, a platform is set up next to the already completed church foundation for King Wilhelm I (1797–1888) and his entourage. In addition, numerous residents of the emerging city and a naval guard of honor took part in the ceremony. A speech by the pastor Carl Langheld (1836–1895) from Heppens is followed by the placing of a small box into the cornerstone. The box contains a certificate signed by the King. It is the oldest document to use the name “Wilhelmshaven”. The cornerstone is then set into the foundation with three symbolic blows of the hammer by King Wilhelm I himself. This act brings the celebrations of the naming of the city to an end.

 

The Elisabethkirche

The neo-Gothic Elisabethkirche was built according to designs by the Berlin architect Friedrich Adler (1827–1908). On the day of Pentecost in 1872, it was inaugurated as garrison church. Until there are other churches in Wilhelmshaven, the Elisabethkirche is also open to members of the civilian communities of all confessions. In 1901, the newly constructed Christuskirche assumes this function. It is completely destroyed in the Second World War. The Elisabethkirche also repeatedly suffers heavy damage. On the second Sunday of Advent in 1959, the Elisabethkirche was reopened as the “Christus- und Garnisonkirche” as the common church for both the civil and military communities.

In the presence of the Prussian King Wilhelm I (1797–1888) and many notable guests, the cornerstone of the Elisabethkirche is laid.

Quelle: Stadtarchiv Wilhelmshaven

 

The Friedrich Wilhelm Platz is created across from the Elisabethkirche. In 1883, the main post office and, in 1888, the Municipal Pharmacy are built next to the church. In 1892, moreover, the Wilhelmshaven town hall comes into being in the immediate vicinity of the church.

Quelle: Stadtarchiv Wilhelmshaven

 

The view from the tower of the Elisabethkirche over the prestigious Adalbertstrasse. The command building of the North Sea Naval Station, which was built in 1872, stands on the northern end.

Quelle: Stadtarchiv Wilhelmshaven

 

The Elisabethkirche is the first church in Wilhelmshaven. It is situated in the center of the nascent city in the immediate vicinity of the train station.

Quelle: Stadtarchiv Wilhelmshaven