Dorfkirche Kleinmachnow

Hidden amongst the trees, the Dorfkirche Kleinmachnow whispers tales of centuries past. The Dorfkirche Kleinmachnow stands as a testament to the passage of time and the enduring power of faith. This isn’t just any church. It’s one of the first Protestant churches built in Brandenburg, commissioned in 1597 by Margarete von Hake. Imagine the scene: Brandenburg, freshly embracing Protestantism, and this elegant brick structure rising amidst the landscape. The Dorfkirche Kleinmachnow was initially part of the Hake family estate. It served as a private chapel, a place of worship, and a final resting place for generations of the von Hake family. Notice the striking two-toned brickwork. Legend says two sisters, each contributing to the church’s construction, used different colored bricks to mark their respective contributions. Theodor Fontane himself, the chronicler of Brandenburg’s history, was captivated by the Dorfkirche Kleinmachnow. He described it in his “Wanderungen durch die Mark Brandenburg,” noting its charming location amidst trees and ivy-covered graves. He even mentioned the inscription on the wall, “Casparus Jacke, Maurermeister zu Potsdam 1597,” speculating that Jacke likely restored the church rather than built it entirely. Step inside the Dorfkirche Kleinmachnow, and you’ll find a treasure trove of artistry and history. The winged altarpiece, crafted by Hans Zinckeisen in 1599, depicts scenes from the life of Christ. Nearby, a richly ornamented baptismal font by Nickel Zinckeisen from 1597 stands as a symbol of new beginnings. Look closely, and you’ll see remnants of ten flags dedicated by Ernst Ludwig von Hake to his brothers who fell in the Turkish wars. A memorial stone and artifacts honor Herr von Schlabrendorf, who died in a duel. On the north side, the family crypt chapel, built in 1703, and several memorial stones further connect the Dorfkirche Kleinmachnow to the von Hake family. A rare pulpit clock from 1711, a type of hourglass used to time sermons, adds another layer of intrigue. Restored and returned to the community in 1993, the Dorfkirche Kleinmachnow remains a vital part of Kleinmachnow. It’s a place for worship, weddings, concerts, and community events. The Dorfkirche Kleinmachnow isn’t just a historical relic; it’s a living testament to a community’s enduring spirit.