Farewell Announced for Bugenhagen House Belonging to the Church
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Say so long to the Bugenhagenhaus in Preetz – the church has officially sold it to the city, and the building's days are numbered. On June 1, there'll be a grand farewell service, as Bishop Nora Steen hands over the keys. It's a bittersweet moment for Pastor Ute Parra, who acknowledges the rich history of the place. But as attendance dwindled following Pastor Pfeifer's retirement, the church had to make a tough decision.
"We've considered every option, from sharing custodianship to keeping it for ourselves," share Pastor Parra. "But with several community houses already under our management, we simply can't handle the maintenance costs."
The building hosted a vast array of church and non-church groups, each offering a unique flavor to its walls. From the chamber orchestra to the gymnastics club, all have found new homes. And despite the emotional tug, Pastor Parra is glad the city plans to put the space to good use.
When it comes to the sacred objects, the altar painting, candlesticks, and Easter candle stand will find a home in the Kleine Stadtkirche. The cross will stand proudly in the community house foyer, and there's talk of integrating the bells into the Stadtkirche's bell tower. However, the cost might be steep – the church is hoping to raise funds from the sale of remaining inventory.
As for the future of the Bugenhagenhaus, Mayor Tim Brockmann lays out four possibilities:
- Renovation and use as an event space.
- Renovation and accommodation of one to two kindergarten groups.
- Demolition, construction of a new kindergarten with four to five groups.
- A joint project with the Cordes company, combining the site with an adjacent building plot, and creating a mix of kindergarten and residential spaces.
Ultimately, the decision lies with local politics, with the verdict expected in the coming weeks. Join us next time, as we explore the future of Preetz's beloved Bugenhagenhaus.
In the coming weeks, the city of Preetz may decide to renovate the Bugenhagenhaus for use as an event space, providing a new hub for community gatherings and lifestyle events. Simultaneously, the home-and-garden sector could benefit from the development, as potential plans include accommodating one to two kindergarten groups within the renovated building.
