Uster free church

Uster Free Church (Freie Kirche Uster, formerly Freie Evangelische Gemeinde Uster) is an early twentieth-century congregation building in the town of Uster, canton of Zurich. It stands as an example of Swiss Heimatstil church architecture and a reminder of the religious split that shaped the town in the 1800s.

What is the Uster Free Church?

It is the home of an evangelical congregation independent of the state Reformed church. The community grew out of a bitter dispute over pastor Friedrich Salomon Vögelin. The Historical Dictionary of Switzerland (HLS) dates the break to 1868 and notes that the Freie Kirche Uster that emerged from it still exists today.

How did the congregation begin?

About 60 believers, led by city missionary Georg Ebinger, first gathered in Riedikon on 25 October 1863. In March 1864 the meetings moved to Uster. In 1865 two benefactors, Pfister and Furrer, bought the former secondary school building on Schulweg for the group. The Zurich cantonal government formally recognised the congregation on 5 February 1870 under the name Freie evangelische Gemeinde Uster. Membership ran between 150 and 200 through the twentieth century and stood at roughly 140 in 2012.

What will you see?

The present church dates from the turn of the century. The congregation's men approved construction on 7 June 1903, and the 73,000-franc cost was covered by loans and donations. The building was finished in 1904 and inaugurated in July 1905. The Swiss inventory of protected sites (ISOS) describes it as a three-bay Heimatstil building with a small roof turret and an attached parsonage.

An organ by the firm Kuhn was installed in 1923, an uncommon feature for a free church. The interior was renovated in 1957, and a new parish hall was added around 2000. Most visitors admire the building from the street. The interior serves the congregation, so a visit inside needs arranging with them.

How do you get there?

The church is in central Uster, a town on Lake Greifensee about 20 minutes from Zurich by S-Bahn. From Uster station the centre is reachable on foot. Coordinates: 47.3477 N, 8.7157 E.

When should you visit?

The exterior can be seen year-round. Services are normally held on Sunday mornings. Nearby you can also see the 1824 Reformed town church and Uster Castle.

Frequently asked questions

Is this the same congregation as the Reformed church in Uster?

No. The Free Church separated from the Reformed church in the 1860s and runs independently.

When was the current building constructed?

Construction was approved in 1903, completed in 1904 and inaugurated in July 1905.

How much did it cost to build?

73,000 Swiss francs, funded by loans and member donations.

Can you go inside?

The interior is used by the congregation. The easiest way in is during a service or by arrangement with the church.