Gazing at the Evangelische Kirche Bornim, one might hear whispers of emperors and empresses. This magnificent neo-Gothic structure stands as a testament to a rich history intertwined with royalty and community. The Evangelische Kirche Bornim first graced the landscape of Bornim, a district of Potsdam, in 1903. Its construction replaced an older, smaller church dating back to the 15th century, deemed insufficient for the growing community. Emperor Wilhelm II himself inaugurated the Evangelische Kirche Bornim on June 11, 1903, a moment of grand celebration. Designed by Ludwig von Tiedemann and Arthur Kickton, the church boasts a unique blend of natural stone and brickwork. Its striking 55-meter tower punctuates the skyline, a beacon visible from afar.
The Evangelische Kirche Bornim isn’t merely a beautiful facade. Inside, a treasure trove of historical artifacts awaits. The church retains many of its original furnishings. Gustav Kuntzsch, a renowned sculptor, crafted the wooden altar, depicting Christ on the cross and symbols of the Evangelists. The altar Bible bears a dedication from Empress Auguste Viktoria herself. Look closely, and you’ll see the massive altar, its retable a masterpiece by the Wernigerode firm Gustav Kuntzsch. The same firm also created the pulpit and the ornate railing of the Emperor’s Loge, a testament to their craftsmanship. The baptismal font, carved from red and white sandstone, speaks to centuries of tradition.
The walls of the Evangelische Kirche Bornim hold stories within their vibrant murals. In 1909, Viktor Paul Mohn, director of the Royal Art School in Berlin, adorned the choir with stunning depictions of biblical scenes. Among them, “Let the Little Children Come to Me” stands out, capturing a tender moment. The church’s original three bells, two of which remain, echo through time, their chimes a call to worship across generations. These bells, survivors of the centuries, were salvaged from the church’s 15th-century predecessor, their resonance connecting past and present.
The Evangelische Kirche Bornim houses a magnificent organ, a gift from Emperor Wilhelm II. Built by Wilhelm Sauer in 1903, the organ boasted 13 registers, two manuals, and a pedal. Over the years, the organ underwent modifications and restorations. It endured the ravages of war, two of its registers partially removed for the war effort in 1917. Its tin pipes were replaced with zinc, a sacrifice to the demands of wartime industry. Later, in 1964, Karl Gerbig undertook a significant restoration, altering the organ’s sound to a neo-Baroque style. The Evangelische Kirche Bornim stands not merely as a place of worship, but as a living testament to the intertwined history of royalty, artistry, and community resilience. Its story whispers through the centuries, inviting all who enter to become a part of its ongoing narrative.