Perhaps you have heard whispers of a church that served as a horse stable. This is the Ev. Kirche Zur frohen Botschaft. It stands before you now a testament to resilience. This church in Karlshorst holds a unique story. It blends faith with the tumultuous history of Berlin.
The Ev. Kirche Zur frohen Botschaft started as a vision in 1895. The Karlshorst colony grew needing its own church. Before its construction, worshippers traveled to Friedrichsfelde. The journey was long. So the community used the Kaiserpavillon for services.
In 1906, Karlshorst established its own parish. Building a church became a priority. A competition was held. Architects Peter Jürgensen and Jürgen Bachmann won. They later designed the Rathaus Schöneberg. Construction began in 1909. By May 1910, the church stood complete. Prince August Wilhelm of Prussia attended the dedication.
Initially, the church had no specific name. In 1924, a church aid association formed. It focused on social outreach. They ran a soup kitchen. They also supported wounded veterans.
During the Nazi era, the church faced challenges. Swastika flags decorated the space. SA members held mass weddings here. Yet the congregation resisted. Pastor Martin Niemöller preached here. Martin Voelkel, a member of the Confessing Church, served as pastor. He served from 1930 to 1950.
World War II dealt a heavy blow. The Ev. Kirche Zur frohen Botschaft was badly damaged. The Red Army then occupied the area. They turned the church into a storage facility. It also became a horse stable. But the building wasn’t intentionally destroyed.
In 1955, the Soviet city commander returned the church to the DDR government. They then gave it back to the Evangelical Church in Germany. Young volunteers from four countries helped rebuild it. They were part of the “Aktion Sühnezeichen”. They repaired the roof and windows.
In 1956, Bishop Otto Dibelius rededicated the church. It was then named “Zur frohen Botschaft”. This translates to “The Church of the Glad Tidings”.
After German reunification, more repairs followed. These happened in the early 1990s. The tower was secured. Floor heating was installed. The windows were cleaned.
The Ev. Kirche Zur frohen Botschaft’s tower reaches 56 meters high. Its bells tell a tale of war and peace. The original bronze bells were melted down for war materials. The community later collected donations. They installed new cast iron bells in 1922.
Inside, the church features a spacious hall. It has a wide nave and narrow aisles. Hanging cupola vaults cover the nave. Stained glass windows depict water and bread. These illustrate themes of baptism and communion.
The Ev. Kirche Zur frohen Botschaft is also home to a special organ. Johann Peter Migendt built it in 1755/1756. It was originally for Princess Anna Amalia of Prussia. After several moves, the Karlshorst congregation received it. The organ was installed in 1960. It is Berlin’s oldest preserved organ.
Today, the Ev. Kirche Zur frohen Botschaft continues to serve its community. It hosts concerts. It also provides a space for worship and reflection. The Ev. Kirche Zur frohen Botschaft stands as a symbol. It represents hope and renewal amidst Berlin’s ever-changing landscape.