Johanniskapelle

Hidden amongst the trees, the ocker-colored Johanniskapelle beckons. Its onion dome peeks out, a silent sentinel watching over the surrounding Johannesfriedhof. The Johanniskapelle isn’t just a picturesque chapel. It’s a testament to the community’s determination and a stage for a century of stories. Built in 1907-1908 by architect Woldemar Kandler, the Johanniskapelle arose from a swirl of local debate. Residents of Naundorf-Zitzschewig argued fiercely about both the cemetery and the chapel. Some worried a cemetery would devalue their property. Others dreamt of a separate parish, a wish ultimately thwarted by financial constraints. The need, however, for a local place of worship was clear. Tired of trekking to Kötzschenbroda for services, locals had been holding services in school buildings since 1897. A chapel that doubled as a church seemed the perfect solution. After six long years of negotiations, the construction of the Johanniskapelle was finally approved in 1907. The single-nave hall church, with its entrance hall in the west and choir in the east, is a blend of architectural styles. Three oval stained-glass windows illuminate the choir. They depict John the Baptist, John the Evangelist, and Christ giving a blessing. The western entrance merges into the four-sided tower, capped by its distinctive Baroque-inspired onion dome. Beside the Johanniskapelle stands the Paul-Gerhard-Haus, a smaller building serving as both a community center and a mortuary. Originally smaller, it gained its current form in 1950 thanks to an eastward extension. Inside the Johanniskapelle, the original furnishings, from the baptismal font to the altar and even the carpet, were lovingly donated by Naundorf and Zitzschewig community members. A wooden cross bearing a carved Christ once graced the altar. Early photographs reveal a dark wooden paneling surrounding the altar area, contrasted with dark blue walls adorned with gold Art Nouveau patterns. The original organ, built by the Bühm company from Gotha, had a mere six registers and a historical case from the 18th century, originally housed in a church in Colditz. Over time, the organ underwent expansions and renovations. Eventually, a new twelve-register organ by Rühle of Moritzburg was installed within the historic case, restored in 2007 to its original white and green splendor, complete with gilded floral rosettes. The Johanniskapelle has seen its interior transformed several times. In 1950, it received a light gray coat of paint, and the dark woodwork was brightened. Murals depicting Christmas and Pentecost adorned the altar area, while a scripture banner encircled the main room. Another restoration in 1975-1976, led by artist Werner Juza, saw the murals removed and a steel cross replace the wooden one. The carved Christ remained, albeit with a fresh coat of paint. A century later, in 2007-2008, the Johanniskapelle underwent extensive renovations. The roof was retiled, the exterior repainted in a warm apricot hue, and the interior received a similar color scheme. The old heating was replaced with underfloor heating in the altar area and electric pew heaters in the main room. The wooden cross returned to its place of honor above the altar, and the carved Christ was meticulously restored. Artist Ju Sobing added a new touch in 2008. A pastel chalk mural depicts figures gathered in the choir where communion is celebrated. The Johanniskapelle stands today, not just a building, but a living story. A testament to the community that built it, renovated it, and continues to cherish it.