Did you know that Kath. St. Marien-Kirche und Pfarramt served as a Soviet headquarters? The story of this church is a testament to resilience and faith. It stands in Lichtenberg, in the Karlshorst district. Its history reflects both spiritual dedication and the tumultuous events of the 20th century.
In 1910, a four-story parish house was built. August Kaufhold designed it in the neo-Gothic style. A small chapel was attached to the parish house. The Karlshorst Catholics used it for their services. In 1922, they split from the Good Shepherd parish. They formed the independent St. Marien parish. A new church building was considered. A church building association was founded in 1925.
Clemens Lohmer from Leipzig was commissioned in 1935. He was to present plans for the church’s construction. The foundation stone was laid on October 27th of that year. Construction was completed in December 1936. The church was consecrated on June 20th, 1937. Sadly, Lohmer didn’t live to see it. He had already passed away in March 1936. Jacques Baudinot, his employee, finished the construction of Kath. St. Marien-Kirche und Pfarramt.
Despite being built during the Nazi era, Lohmer’s architectural style wasn’t aligned with the official style. The church was designed in the neo-Romanesque style. It resembled an early Christian basilica. It featured a nave, a transept, and a 40-meter-high campanile inspired by Italian designs. The brickwork was plastered. The main facade and tower were clad in grey-white limestone.
During World War II, Kath. St. Marien-Kirche und Pfarramt offered shelter. It protected the local population from bomb attacks. The church wasn’t significantly damaged. Only the roof was hit by a grenade.
After the war, Soviet forces requisitioned the church. The pastor had to vacate the parish house. He moved to a house outside the Soviet restricted area. Services were initially held there. The church was turned into a furniture and coal storage facility. Animals were even housed there. The parish house initially housed departments of the Soviet Military Administration. Later, it housed the military prosecutor’s office. Two prison cells were set up in the chapel’s crypt. The parish hall first served as an officers’ mess. Then, it became a car repair shop.
On January 1st, 1950, Kath. St. Marien-Kirche und Pfarramt and the parish house were returned to the Catholic community. Under the direction of architect Paul Zeh, they were repaired. The interior was painted. The windows were reglazed. The high altar and altar cross were restored. New pews and large parts of the organ had to be purchased. The first service was held in the parish house on August 8th, 1950. The church was reconsecrated on March 23rd, 1952.
Today, the Kath. St. Marien-Kirche und Pfarramt consists of two structures. There is a simple church nave resembling a medieval basilica. It has a protruding transept. A 40-meter-high rectangular campanile stands to the north. White-grey quarry stone from Rüdersdorf limestone covers the main facade and tower. Kath. St. Marien-Kirche und Pfarramt stands as a symbol of faith. It is also a reminder of the turbulent times it has weathered.