Did you know that a piece of Denmark exists right here in Berlin? This is the Dänische Christianskirken. It is a church with a fascinating story. The Dänische Christianskirken serves as a vital link for Danes living abroad. This church stands in Wilmersdorf. It is part of the district of Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf.
Let us delve into the history. Danes in Berlin founded the Freja association in 1880. These were mainly craftsmen. In 1896, a Danish pastor held a service in Berlin for the first time. It was at the CVJM in Wilhelmstraße. By the early 20th century, about 2,000 Danes lived in Berlin. Their community life grew significantly. In 1912, Danish Christians founded their own church community. It belonged to the Evangelical Lutheran Folkekirke of Denmark.
Initially, they rented space. This was in the Bohemian-Lutheran community hall. The hall was in Neuenburger Straße. In 1928, the Danish community consecrated its own church. It was named Christianskirken after King Christian X. During the Nazi era, the Dänische Christianskirken became a meeting place. It was a refuge for pastors. They were from the Confessing Church.
In 1965, the community had to sell its church. The buyer was the Deutsche Bundespost. They acquired a new site on Brienner Straße 12. Here stood the ruins of a Swedish retirement home. Under Pastor Olav Refshauge, they built a new church. It was consecrated on October 15, 1967. The first Danish church on Stresemannstraße was only demolished in 1984.
The Dänische Christianskirken’s architecture reflects Scandinavian style. Danish scouts donated the freestanding wooden bell tower. The bell comes from the first Danish church. Inside, you will find simple wooden chairs. Wood panels line many walls. A flat wooden ceiling sits above. A small electronic organ is mounted on the wall. Axel Springer donated the organ in 1970. It commemorates Kaj Munk. He was a Danish pastor and poet. The Gestapo murdered him in 1944. An inscription quotes Munk. It says the church is a place of mercy. It is the source of life. It is the heartbeat of humanity. A hexagonal font, a wooden altar table and ambo complete the space.
Besides the church, the site includes a community hall. There is also a library. The church provides an apartment for the church caretaker. A small student dormitory is available. Danes in Berlin gather here. They attend services and events. Children can play in a special room. Donations are given to those in need. People can grill, celebrate Fastnacht. They can visit the Danish Christmas market. The Evangelical Student Community also holds services here. Danish services are in Danish. Student services are in German. The Dänische Christianskirken publishes a quarterly newsletter. It is called Kirkehilsen fra Christianskirken. That translates to Greetings from Christianskirken. The church also participates in Berlin-wide events. One example is the Long Night of Religions.