The catholic church St. Johannes Evangelist in Mainz was built from 1967 to 1968 by the architect Bernhard Schmitt. Initiator of the building project was Pastor Hans Brantzen. The church was built as a new meeting place of the catholic community in the recently founded district Münchfeld. The ground plan of the church building has a parabolic shape, with the apex pointing east. The main entrance is in the west, under a huge concrete relief representing an eagle (the symbol of the patron saint John the Evangelist). The building shows a façade design made out of crushed stone, concrete glazing, and exposed concrete. Just as the outside, the interior of the building is characterized by the exposed concrete (walls), slate slabs (floor), wood (ceiling and benches) and stained glass. The roof has a height between nine and sixteen meters, rising to the east. There are several windows directly above the choir providing light to the altar area. The 35-meter high bell tower which is prominently located at the corner of two streets and made out of exposed concrete dominates the entire complex.

In use. There are no plans for renovation or demolition. Inside the building, smaller damages are visible on the concrete walls. Still, it is in good condition.

Written by Florian Retz, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität, Mainz

Recognition as cultural monument since 2023 (last updated on April 17, 2024).