An organ connects: Hasper community celebrates inauguration in Lithuania

An organ connects: Hasper community celebrates inauguration in Lithuania

Hagen-Haspe. The Evangelical Lutheran parish of Hagen-Haspe celebrates the integration of organ and altar in Lithuania, which was created by community and support.

a symbol of unity across borders

The connection of the Evangelical Lutheran parish of Hagen-Haspe with the Lutheran community in Kintai am Kuhrische Haff is a remarkable step that is both cultural and religious bridges. The transmission of the organ and altar from the Designed community center of Westerbauer to Lithuania symbolizes the exchange and strengthening of communities, also across country borders.

from the development to pass

The Westerbauer parish hall, which closed its door in June 2023, is now being converted into an urban kindergarten. In this context, the decision was made not to simply store the organ of the Raupach-Bosch brand and the altar, but to give it to a new, much more important task.

people behind history

A central player in this process was Valdas Jelis, who has worked as an organist and sexton in Westerbauer since 1991. His mediation led to the transfer of musical instruments to the Evangelical Lutheran parish in Kintai, which is Lutheran, but is used by the Catholic community. Pastor Sandra Thönnige said: "It fulfills us with joy to continue this tradition, and to see that our instruments are now being used for the Honor of God and the joy of people."

an unforgettable experience in Lithuania

The inauguration of the organ on July 21 was celebrated by a delegation from Haspe, which was made by a seven -day trip to Lithuania, as a spiritual and cultural highlight. In addition to Vilnius, the group also explored the "Berg der Kreuze" and the port city of Klaipeda. The ecumenical service for the inauguration and the subsequent reception in the parish hall gave the trip a special note. Among the clergy present was Bishop Mindaugas Sabutis, who, together with Lutheran and Catholic pastors, designed the service.

a lasting inheritance

The memories of the warm welcome in Kintai as well as the numerous discussions with parishioners and the clergymen will always remember all participants of the trip well. The farewell to the parish hall in Westerbauer brings sadness, but at the same time the hope of a permanent connection to the Christian communities in Lithuania. As Pastor Thönnige notes: "With the inauguration of the organ, a connection has arisen that will continue to be maintained in the next few years."