Ready to explore a Brutalist beauty? The Evangelisch Apostolische Johannes Gemeinde stands before us. It is an architectural statement in Berlin’s Märkisches Viertel. This is no ordinary church.
The Apostel-Johannes-Gemeinde isn’t immediately recognizable as a church. Especially among the high-rise buildings. Its design reflects the 1970s. The church building and community center share a cohesive style. Both include exposed concrete. This showcases the architectural trends of the time.
In 1972, the Kirchengemeinde chose the Apostle Johannes as its patron. The community center was planned before the community even existed. This ambitious project marked a high point. It was a time of great enthusiasm for concrete architecture. Even the altar is made of concrete.
Completed between 1970 and 1971, the Evangelisch Apostolische Johannes Gemeinde coincided with the development of the satellite city. The city featured concrete prefabricated high-rises reaching up to 18 stories. Neumann, Grötzebach & Plessow designed the Apostel-Johannes-Gemeindezentrum.
The building is a flat-roofed steel concrete skeleton structure with exposed concrete. It comes across as very closed off. It consists of two building sections. These are arranged at right angles to each other. It hardly resembles a traditional church building. Instead, it reflects an architectural concept in the spirit of Brutalism. The Evangelisch Apostolische Johannes Gemeinde was inaugurated on March 14, 1971. It is now a protected monument.
Inside, the Evangelisch Apostolische Johannes Gemeinde spans three floors. The building is accessible via elevator. It ensures accessibility for everyone. The rear building section houses a parsonage. It also has rooms for the community nurses. Additionally, there are apartments for the pastor and caretaker. The front part has the actual church space. There is also a library, a community hall, and a youth room.
Shed roofs rise above its flat roof. These provide indirect light to the church space and community hall. Wall openings are minimal. They feature only a few vertical window slits. A staircase leads to the first floor. Here, one finds the entrances to the church room and community hall. Originally, the facade was bare concrete. But it has since been clad for structural reasons.
The interior of the church space has been altered. The exposed concrete walls have been painted gold and silver. This was due to changing tastes. Three large-format meditation images adorn the church. Sister Christamaria of the Christusbruderschaft Selbitz created them. They are based on the Bible verses of the bells.
The Evangelisch Apostolische Johannes Gemeinde is more than just a building. It is a vibrant center. It offers spiritual life 365 days a year. The community gathers to explore God’s Word. They listen to Him. Many volunteer their time and talents.
In 1974, Roman Ilisch built a new organ. It has 19 registers across two manuals and a pedal. Since 1989, the community center also has a positive organ. This was made by the Harald Rapp organ workshop. Alexander Schuke Potsdam Orgelbau restored it in 2016. In 2024, the instrument’s 50th anniversary was celebrated.
The belfry houses a peal of three bronze bells. The Glockengießerei Petit & Gebr. Edelbrock cast them in 1982. Each bell carries an inscription. They are the way, the truth, and the life. Another proclaims I am the bread of life. The last bell says I am the good shepherd.
The Evangelisch Apostolische Johannes Gemeinde continues to evolve. It is a testament to community and faith. It is a landmark in the Märkisches Viertel.