Martinus-Kirche

Gazing at the Martinus-Kirche, one might wonder about its striking modern design. The Martinus-Kirche stands proudly on Sterkrader Straße 47 in Berlin-Tegel. Its story began in the post-war boom. The original Tegel church became too small for the growing community. This led to the establishment of the Tegel-Süd parish in 1957. Even with the new Philippus-Kirche, further growth was anticipated. This prompted plans for a second church. A design competition ensued, and architect Eduard Ludwig’s vision won. Tragically, Ludwig died before the cornerstone was laid in 1961. Karl Otto took over, completing the Martinus-Kirche in 1963. The church is a remarkable steel-reinforced concrete structure. Its rectangular form is punctuated by the exposed pillars of the framework. The entrance and altar sides are fully glazed. A unique feature is the basement level, housing the community hall and other rooms. The elevated sanctuary is reached by an open staircase, sheltered by a canopy. Two high wall panels flank the entrance, supporting the bell tower. The glass wall behind the altar was originally transparent. The architects envisioned a connection between the church and its surroundings. However, Bishop Otto Dibelius disapproved, believing it would disrupt the service. This marked the end of the “glass church” era in Berlin. Artist Götz Loepelmann then created the stunning stained glass, depicting the Transfiguration of Jesus. The four translucent figures, Jesus, Peter, James, and John, glow in vibrant blues during the day. At night, the glass appears black. The Martinus-Kirche’s concrete has, unfortunately, deteriorated over time. Restoration is now a pressing concern. The altar’s marble slab has already been replaced due to cracking, and the organ has suffered irreparable damage from temperature fluctuations. The four bronze bells in the tower, cast in 1963, still ring out. They proclaim messages of faith and hope. The Martinus-Kirche stands as a testament to the evolving architectural landscape of Berlin.