Bruder-Klaus-Kirche

Beneath a sloping roof of red tiles sits the Bruder-Klaus-Kirche. It’s a striking sight here in Britz. The Bruder-Klaus-Kirche isn’t your typical Berlin church. It’s shaped like a hexagon, a unique form inspired by the Obere Ranftkapelle in Flüeli-Ranft, Switzerland. This unusual design is a tribute to the church’s namesake, Saint Nicholas of Flüe, also known as Bruder Klaus, a Swiss peacemaker. The Bruder-Klaus-Kirche has a history as unique as its architecture. The original church, also dedicated to Bruder Klaus, was built in 1960. Sadly, by 1987, structural issues forced its demolition. The current Bruder-Klaus-Kirche, which stands before us, was consecrated in 1989. Notice the oversized wooden portal. It’s a prominent feature, leading into a space designed for worship and reflection. To the left, you’ll find a vestibule, a quiet space for preparation and gathering. To the right is a small hermitage, mirroring Bruder Klaus’s own solitary retreat. Inside, a wooden statue of the saint, crafted by Paul Brandenburg, offers a tangible connection to the church’s patron. Inside, the Bruder-Klaus-Kirche is simple yet powerful. The walls, built with Märkische Verband brickwork, are exposed both inside and out. The ceiling reveals the wooden rafters of the roof structure. Natural light floods the space through a large window behind the altar and a trapezoidal window above. Look closely and you’ll discover treasures from the original church. The baptismal font by Schaffarzyk and the fourteen Stations of the Cross by Rudolf Heltzel survived the demolition and found a new home here. The church also houses a three-manual organ, built by Klaus Corbach in 1991 and later modified by Arno Voigt. The Bruder-Klaus-Kirche is more than just a building. It’s a testament to community and resilience. In 2003, the Bruder Klaus parish merged with Heilige Schutzengel, consolidating their activities at this location. More recently, in 2021, it became part of the larger Heilige Hedwig Stein parish, joining forces with Gropiusstadt and Rudow. This reflects a broader reorganization within the Berlin church system, a process initiated back in 2012 by Archbishop Woelki. The Bruder-Klaus-Kirche stands as a unique architectural gem in the heart of Britz, reflecting both its Swiss inspiration and its enduring place in the Berlin community.