Imagine climbing stairs only to find spiritual solace. That is Albert-Schweitzer-Kirche. This church stands in Berlin-Reinickendorf. It offers a unique architectural and historical experience.
The Albert-Schweitzer-Kirche is located at Auguste-Viktoria-Allee 51. It is named after Albert Schweitzer. He was a theologian, Bach scholar, and “jungle doctor”. The church is one of two buildings of the Segenskirchengemeinde.
Peter Poelzig designed the Albert-Schweitzer-Kirche. Construction finished in the 1960s. This church is part of the Reinickendorf church district. It belongs to the Evangelical Church Berlin-Brandenburg-Silesian Upper Lusatia.
Originally, the Albert-Schweitzer-Kirche was a branch of the Segenskirchengemeinde. It became independent in 1968. Due to declining membership and financial constraints, the two churches reunited in 1998. The community center was built between 1966 and 1968. It was inaugurated on April 20, 1969.
Poelzig successfully integrated the church into the urban landscape. He combined the community center with the existing shopping center. The Albert-Schweitzer-Kirche is a solid reinforced concrete structure. Its roof consists of prefabricated copper shells. This creates a saddle roof design. The roof sections extend to the terrace on the north side. Freestanding steps provide access. On the south side, they reach down to the basement level. A pyramid connects to the gable of the nave. It stretches to the window bands below the roof surfaces.
The glazed west gable on the terrace houses the church entrance. Behind it is the gallery with an organ. A spiral staircase in a concrete cylinder leads from the basement. The kindergarten is in the basement. The staircase ascends to the gallery.
A low campanile stands on the street. It features concrete slabs with sound slits. A small bronze bell hangs inside. Petit & Gebr. Edelbrock cast the bell in 1967. It weighs 210 kg. Its diameter is 70 cm and its height is 63 cm. The bell’s pitch is D sharp.
Initially, many young families attended the Albert-Schweitzer-Kirche. There was active children’s and youth work. Community groups and family education centers thrived. A lively group of retirees supported the church. They organized festivals, excursions, and choir performances. All aimed at the common Sunday service.
Significant changes occurred after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Many residents moved to the surrounding areas. Later, various ethnic groups moved in. The Albert-Schweitzer-Kirche served as a marketplace for worship and community life. Today, the joint daycare center is located here. It hosts children from diverse backgrounds.
Occasional services and events still take place. The bell rings to mark the day. The Albert-Schweitzer-Kirche is undergoing renovations. The plan is to create a joint community center with a worship space. The many stairs will disappear. Despite challenges, the Albert-Schweitzer-Kirche remains a symbol of community.