A crown atop a tower. That’s how many remember the Andreas-Kirche in Teltow.
This beautiful church stands proudly among ancient trees. It’s a landmark a geographical and historical center. The Andreas-Kirche is Teltow’s oldest urban building. Its origins trace back to the 12th century. After several devastating fires only the foundation and exterior walls remain. These walls are made of fieldstones dating from the 13th century.
The name St Andreas Church comes from the Catholic era before the Reformation. The first Lutheran pastor took office in Teltow in 1546. The crown adorning the church tower symbolizes the Margraves of Brandenburg’s patronage. They wanted to make Teltow their crown land clearly visible. Early in the 19th century Teltow was known as Kronen-Teltow Crown Teltow.
A major fire in 1801 reshaped the interior. Prussian master builder Karl-Friedrich Schinkel oversaw the redesign. He gave the Andreas-Kirche a neo-Gothic style with classical influences. A flat ceiling was installed in the nave.
A significant event was the rededication on September 13 1812. A larger-than-life crucifix was placed in the sanctuary. It was crafted by South Tyrolean woodcarver Franz Tavella from Brixen. This crucifix is the altar’s main decoration.
A stone tablet on the east exterior wall commemorates the 1910 renovation. A wooden barrel vault was added under the flat coffered ceiling. An organ loft was constructed on the west side.
The current organ comes from the Alexander Schuke organ building company in Potsdam. Painted ornamental carvings remain on the pulpit and baptismal font. These are found on the bench arms and the pillars of the gallery. They were created by sculptor August Mattausch. Professor August Oetken from Berlin painted and designed the color scheme. Sadly the choir windows were destroyed during wartime. Even the famous Lyonel Feininger immortalized our church and the unmistakable roofs of the old town. His painting Teltow II shows the church. The original hangs in Berlin’s Neue Nationalgalerie. A copy is in the Teltow local history museum. Between 2007 and 2011 the church was refreshed. Three new bells were also added.
The Andreas-Kirche in Teltow has seen fires and renovations. It stands as a testament to resilience. It’s a place of worship and a piece of history. A true landmark.