Built between 1907 and 1909 the Dorfkirche Hohen Neuendorf stands proudly. It’s a testament to the German village church movement. This beautiful church located at Berliner Strasse 40 is more than just a place of worship. It’s a landmark a symbol of the town’s history and faith.
The Dorfkirche Hohen Neuendorf wasn’t the first church on this site. During construction of the Reichsbahn outer ring in 1953 workers unearthed remnants of a medieval church. Sadly due to a lack of interest from the DDR government these artifacts were reburied. Their exact location remains undocumented.
For years villagers longed for their own church. In 1896 the Prussian government finally approved a temporary preaching position. Ten years later farmer Hornemann generously donated land. The condition was that a church would be built within a decade.
A church construction association was formed. They raised 50000 Marks. This included small donations from the community funds from the regional church and support from the church council.
Royal building councillor Georg Böttner designed the church. His Heimatschutz style design with neo-baroque elements won out over a neo-Romanesque design. Böttner a champion of the village church movement oversaw construction. Ludwig von Tiedemann also contributed to the project.
The cornerstone was laid on September 26 1907. It contained a sealed copper box. Inside were documents. These included the foundation deed a short history of Hohen Neuendorf and church construction association records.
The tower top was placed on June 18 1908. A small chest held a document by Pastor Lehmann. It detailed the church’s history. It also included the cornerstone laying ceremony program and local newspapers.
On February 21 1909 the Dorfkirche Hohen Neuendorf was consecrated. It served as a dual church. Catholics used it until they built their own church in the 1930s.
In 1935 a parish house and community hall were added. That same year the church received a rough plaster coating. This unfortunately obscured its richly decorated facade. Floral murals in the apse were also overpainted. Later in 1956 even more of the decorative facade was plastered over.
Since 1998 a T-Mobile antenna sits atop the church tower. Its height provides excellent city coverage. The Dorfkirche Hohen Neuendorf underwent a major restoration at the start of the 21st century. This renovation cost 285000 Euros for the 100 year anniversary. Funding included a church loan donations city funds and support from a partner community.
The Dorfkirche Hohen Neuendorf stands as a testament to faith resilience and community spirit. A must-see for anyone visiting Hohen Neuendorf. Its history is woven into the very fabric of this town. The stories within its walls continue to resonate today. Explore its stunning interior admire the intricate details and reflect on the rich heritage preserved within its sanctuary.