Ever wondered about a church that rose from a need, a sanctuary born from a growing community? That’s the story of St. Marien Maternitas here in Berlin-Heiligensee. We are standing in front of a place that embodies faith and community spirit.
St. Marien Maternitas, dedicated to the Virgin Birth of Mary, stands as a testament to the burgeoning Catholic population in Heiligensee. This house of worship emerged from the vision of architect Carl Kühn. The church embodies the Heimatschutz architecture style. Its construction concluded in 1936. On December 13th of that year, it was consecrated.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw a population boom in the areas around Heiligensee. Improved transport links attracted new residents, many of whom worked at the Borsig factory in Tegel. These workers came from all over Germany. Many originated from Catholic regions. They longed for a local place to worship. Initially, the parish of Herz-Jesu-Kirche in Tegel served the spiritual needs of Heiligensee Catholics. Around 1930, they advocated to form their own community. This eventually led to the construction of St. Marien.
Initially, St. Marien Maternitas was a curacy from 1938. It became its own parish in 1954. Despite sustaining minor damage during World War II, St. Marien Maternitas persevered. Parishioners even undertook self-help construction in 1951. They added a community hall and side rooms. The attic was converted into a residence for the pastor in 1956.
In 2004, St. Marien Maternitas merged with Herz Jesu and St. Joseph parishes. Together they formed the Herz Jesu parish. The community center expanded since 1991. It was officially inaugurated on June 6, 1993. The church’s interior was last redesigned in 2009. Cardinal Georg Sterzinsky consecrated the altar on September 5th.
The rectangular hall church reminds visitors of a Märkische village church. Its plastered brick construction gives it a simple elegance. Pilasters divide the nave into five bays. A wooden barrel vault covers the interior. This vault resembles a mansard roof. Small round-arched windows sit in pairs in each bay. The altar area spans almost one bay.
A square roof turret rises from the gable roof. This tower houses a bronze bell. Franz August and Otto Wolfgang Schilling cast the bell in 1936. The bell weighs 750 kg and has a diameter of 124 cm. The bell’s inscription reads “REX GLORIAE, REX CHRISTE, REGNI CUM PACE”. It translates to “King of Glory, Christ the King, Reign with Peace”.
Since 1971, the church interior has undergone several artistic changes. A sgraffito once adorned the wall behind the altar. Later, it was replaced with a Marian image, a copy of an icon. Now, the wall is simply white. The altar was moved away from the wall. The tabernacle was placed to the side. This allows the Holy Mass to be celebrated facing the congregation. The church received the tabernacle from the old Canisiuskirche in 1976.
Today, St. Marien Maternitas is more than just a building. It’s a vibrant community hub. Various groups meet here regularly. These groups include the Young Families Circle and the Parents Circle. There is also a Children’s Church and a Youth Group. The Hallelujah Jubelkreis provides music. A seniors group gathers for breakfast. St. Marien Maternitas fosters a strong sense of belonging.
As we conclude our visit to St. Marien Maternitas, remember its origins rooted in community spirit. From its humble beginnings to its present-day vibrancy, this church stands as a beacon of faith. It is a testament to the enduring power of community. It is a place where tradition meets a welcoming spirit.