Imagine villagers gathering here in 1767. They celebrated the Kirchweihe of the Dorfkirche Neu Zittau. This simple village church has a rich history.
Neu Zittau was founded in 1752. It was a spinner village. Colonists came from different regions. They came from Kurpfalz, Oberlausitz, and Württemberg. The Dorfkirche Neu Zittau became central to their lives.
There are differing accounts of the exact construction year. Some say 1763. Others suggest 1766 or around 1765 to 1768. The Stiftung zur Bewahrung kirchlicher Baudenkmäler notes the Kirchweihe in 1767. In 1772, a preacher served 60 Kossäten and Büdner here. Neu Zittau was the mother church. Wernsdorf was its daughter church from 1755. The patronage rested with the Fiskus.
By 1792, the parish had a double Kolonistenetablissement and a Küster. Smaller settlements joined the parish. Stäbchen joined in 1817. Rittergut Radeland joined in 1858. A significant addition came in 1907. A square north tower with a vestibule was added to the Dorfkirche Neu Zittau.
In 1922, Gosen separated. It formed its own parish. This included Zwiebusch and Forsthaus Fahlenberg. Gosen then united with Neu Zittau and Wernsdorf. They were under the Pfarramt Neu Zittau.
The Dorfkirche Neu Zittau is mainly brick. The exterior is plastered. It has a rectangular layout with a continuous base. Large windows dominate the north and south sides. These windows have rounded arches. A broad pilaster is centered. It features a similarly arched window. The west side has a simple door. It is framed by a Fasche with a keystone. Two tall arched windows adorn the east side. A monument commemorates those who fell in World War I.
Inside the Dorfkirche Neu Zittau, the north side has two arched windows. The tower and vestibule are in the middle. Above is a small arched window. A gable sits above that. The tower shaft has tiers. It features arched sound openings and a clock. A curved cupola tops the tower. It has an open lantern with a sphere and cross.
Gustav Kuntzsch created the neo-Gothic altar in 1891. It was originally for the Friedenskirche in Berlin-Gesundbrunnen. A model ship of a Barke adds to the church’s decor. It was placed here before 1914.
Albert Lang built the organ in 1877. It has two manuals and pedals. The firm Sauer modified it in 1964. The Dorfkirche Neu Zittau stands as a testament to time. It shows the village’s resilience and faith. Take a moment to appreciate its simple beauty. Think of the generations who found solace within these walls.