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    • Goebenstift

    The Adolf-Clarenbach-Haus can look back on almost 125 years of history. During this time, it saw itself on the brink of closure several times and underwent numerous conversions and renovations, which finally resulted in the current main building and the annexe at Goebenstraße 32-36.

    10. November 1897

    Foundation

    The “Rheinisch-Westfälische Vereinigung der Freunde des kirchlichen Bekenntnisses” (Rhenish-Westphalian Association of Friends of the Church Confession) founded the house on the property at 32-34 Goebenstraße as a countermovement to liberal theology.

    10. November 1897
    In 1899

    The Beginnings

    The main house is occupied. It initially provided space for 15 students and the director and his family to engage in theological studies, discussion groups, and community life.

    In 1899
    In 1936

    War years

    Due to the financial situation and the ever-decreasing number of theology students in Bonn, the house was closed in 1936 and taken over by the Confessing Church.

    In 1936
    In 1945

    Post- war period

    The building served as accommodation for the Allied troops for some time. The building, already damaged by bombing, is further affected during this time when parts of the roof are destroyed in a fire.

    In 1945
    In April 1948

    Reopening

    The Goebenstift can once again be used as a house of study, even if at first it only succeeds in setting up rooms for 14 students in house No. 34.

    In April 1948
    In 1951/52

    Extension of the House

    By converting and extending the two houses 32 and 34, an integrated double house is finally created, which offers accommodation and study facilities for a total of 35 students.

    In 1951/52
    13. April 1957

    Renaming

    The sponsoring association names the house after Adolf Clarenbach, one of the first Protestant martyrs on the Lower Rhine.

    13. April 1957
    In 1971

    Opening for female students

    Female students are admitted to the house for the first time. In addition, the neighboring house (No. 36) is acquired in this year.

    In 1971
    In 1974

    Extension through the annex house

    The adjoining house is opened, increasing the number of single rooms available to 40. In the same year, the basis for today’s self-administration is laid by the introduction of the janitor offices

    In 1974
    In 2004

    Opening for all study disciplines

    The Goebenstift opened its doors to students from other disciplines. Thus, despite an evangelical-theological focus, a diverse community results in the house.

    In 2004
    In 2015 – 2017

    Renovation

    After the Protestant Theological Stift (since the 1960s known as the “Hans-Iwand-Haus”) had to be closed in 2011 due to dilapidation, the Adolf-Clarenbach-Haus could be thoroughly renovated and modernized with the proceeds from the sale of the property.

    In 2015 – 2017

    The study house today

    Today, the Goebenstift is a lively house community in which students of Protestant theology as well as other disciplines continue to find a home. It gives us the space to experience practical Christianity and to grow in ourselves and our fellow human beings by means of an independent administration and shaping of community life.

    Even today, the residents must ask themselves from time to time the question that moved the Board of Directors as early as 1932: “Is the house still necessary? Does it have to stay?” But we know clearly: “The house is necessary! It still has its great task, today more than ever!”.

    “Festschrift”: 100 years of Goebenstift

    A deeper insight into the development and history of the house is provided by the commemorative publication entitled “100 Years of the Protestant Theological House of Studies Adolf Clarenbach 1897-1997”, published on the occasion of the 100th anniversary in 1997. It also contains excerpts on the original motivation of the institution, the role of the house in the church struggle, and much more exciting information.

    The collection was included in the series of publications of the Verein für Rheinische Kirchengeschichte (Volume 125; edited by H. Faulenbach, D. Mayer and R. Mohr; ISBN 3-7927-1679-8) and was published in 1997 by Rheinland Verlag, Cologne.

    For 10€ the Festschrift can be ordered from the study inspector.