70 years of the Apostle John's Church: Big anniversary celebration in Wilhelmshaven!
The Apostle John's Church in Wilhelmshaven is celebrating its 70th anniversary on November 29th with a colorful program.

70 years of the Apostle John's Church: Big anniversary celebration in Wilhelmshaven!
A very special anniversary is being celebrated in Wilhelmshaven: The Apostle John's Church will celebrate its 70th anniversary on November 27, 2025. An inauguration that took place on November 27, 1955 gave birth to a living community history, and for this reason there are numerous celebrations on the program for the upcoming weekend. The community invites you to a large, impressive festival at Werdumer Straße 99 in Altengroden on Saturday, November 29th, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The reports on this NWZ online that in addition to a bazaar, the offer also includes a craft activity by the Jona kindergarten and the primary school. Lovers of coffee and cake will also get their money's worth, while bratwurst and drinks will take care of their physical well-being. At 2 p.m. a special surprise will be offered by Santa Claus together with the Rüstringen fire department. A special highlight of the day is the family prayer at 3 p.m., which is organized by Pastor Natascha Faull and Deaconess Kathrin Jaeger together with children and educators. The citizens' association provides the barbecue and a visit to the Ruscherei rounds off the day.
A celebration for the community
On Sunday, November 30th, the community can expect a festive Advent service at 11 a.m. in the impressive Apostle John's Church. A reception is planned in the community center afterwards. The highlight of the events will be a concert by the “Beltane” group at 5 p.m., which will take place as part of the Culture Church series in the north of the city.
Since its founding, the parish has not only grown, but has continually changed. On January 1, 2026, the Apostle John Church will become part of the newly emerging “Nordgemeinde Wilhelmshaven”. The goal of this merger is clear: more freedom of action and sharing of resources to strengthen the community. Before the merger, there were already close collaborations with other communities in various areas such as community newsletters, youth work and events.
A look into history
The Apostle John Church, which is located in the Altengroden district, was built according to plans by the Hamburg architect Gerhard Langmaack. Its construction began before and during the Second World War and was completed in the 1950s. As the Wikipedia explains, an impressive relief of Jesus washing the feet on the west side of the church, designed by the sculptor and painter Helmuth Uhrig, adorns the church. Its name is reminiscent of the Apostle John and reflects the values and traditions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Oldenburg, to which the community belongs.
The Apostle John's Church is not only a spiritual place, but also an architectural testimony that connects many residents of Wilhelmshaven with their history. The picture is rounded off by the extensive offerings that the church has produced throughout its history. More information about this and other important churches in Germany can be found at kirchbau.de, a platform that offers a comprehensive overview of the church building history and architectural features.
Be there and celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Apostle John's Church with the community. There is a lot to discover and experience for young and old!