Consider St. Kamillus-Kirche. It stands as more than just a church. It embodies a community’s spirit.
St. Kamillus-Kirche is located south of the Schlosspark Charlottenburg. You will find it at Klausenerplatz 12/13. This Roman Catholic church was consecrated in 1932. It stands as a testament to architectural ingenuity and communal dedication.
Bernhard Lichtenberg initiated the founding of the community. His Herz-Jesu-Kirche became too small. So he established filial communities in Charlottenburg.
Initially, a converted riding arena served as a chapel. It honored Camillus von Lellis. He was the founder of the Camillian Order. The chapel was consecrated on March 25, 1923.
Hermann Albert Mohr designed the new St. Kamillus-Kirche. The design integrated a church with community facilities. These included a nursing home, kindergarten, and parish office. Construction occurred between 1931 and 1932. The church was consecrated on June 26, 1932.
Sisters of Our Lady managed the kindergarten and nursing home until 1974. Later, lay employees took over. Polish priests from the Camillian Order assumed pastoral and hospital care duties in 1987.
St. Kamillus-Kirche merged with Herz Jesu Parish on January 1, 2023. Together, they formed the “Martyrer von Berlin” Parish. The parish includes St. Thomas von Aquin Church. It also incorporates the Maria Regina Martyrum Memorial Church.
Werner Klinski redesigned the chancel in the 1960s. He also redesigned the Stations of the Cross and Pentecost mosaic. The chancel now features modern stained glass windows. The mosaic draws the eye to the tabernacle. It rests on a three-tiered pedestal.
The building integrates sacred and secular elements. The church occupies the first three floors. Above, the senior citizens’ home is clearly set apart. Square bell towers rise symmetrically on two corners.
During World War II, the original windows were destroyed. The original shell limestone facade was painted in 1979. Korneli carried out a comprehensive interior renovation from 1999 to 2000.
Inside St. Kamillus-Kirche, the windows depict Marian themes on the left. On the right, they illustrate the life of Kamillus. Baur created these between 1961 and 1964. He also created the Stations of the Cross and the Pentecost mosaic in 1963.
Since its founding, St. Kamillus-Kirche has operated a kindergarten. It cares for 50 children aged 1 to 6. The kindergarten spans two floors. Each floor has a common room and sanitary facilities.
The Caritas-run senior citizens’ home offers 40 single rooms. It welcomes both religious and secular residents. The home sits atop the church. It provides direct access to the church’s gallery.
Today, St. Kamillus-Kirche remains a vibrant center. It is a place of worship and community engagement. It stands as a symbol of faith. It embodies service in the heart of Berlin-Charlottenburg.