All Saints

Gazing at All Saints, one might hear whispers of tolerance and resilience. All Saints Church stands as a testament to a unique period in Berlin’s history. This striking structure in Dahlem began its life in 1957. It wasn’t originally a Catholic church. It was the United States Army Chapel, a beacon of hope during the Cold War. All Saints was designed by Carl Merz and built by Polensky & Zöllner. The building itself is fascinating. A steel skeleton supports a trapezoidal frame. Eight window axes punctuate the reinforced concrete pillars. These pillars widen towards the top, creating a dynamic visual effect. Above, crisscrossing concrete beams support a shallow barrel roof. All Saints housed not only Catholics, but also Protestants and Jewish congregations under one roof. It was known as the “House of Tolerance”. Imagine the diverse community that thrived within these walls. This interfaith harmony continued until 1994 when the Allied military left Berlin. The “Friends of All Saints” stepped in. They ensured the building’s survival and its continued use as a place of worship. Today, All Saints is a vibrant Catholic community. It serves around 400 members. Mass is held every Sunday at 10:00 am. It shares its space with other faiths, continuing its legacy of tolerance. A picture of Divine Mercy hangs in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. It’s a reminder of the hope and solace All Saints continues to provide. Look closely at the entrance. A mosaic graces the portal. A sign nearby displays the church’s original name and dedication date, a tangible link to its past. Inside, light walls contrast with dark brown pillars and beams. The same dark brown accents the pews, the organ gallery railing, and the altar back wall. All Saints is more than a church. It’s a living testament to Berlin’s resilience, a symbol of interfaith harmony, and a reminder of the enduring power of community.