Was it really necessary to build such a large church? The Verkl\u00e4rungskirche in Adlershof might seem oversized for its time. Its 56-meter-high tower and seating for 1000 visitors raised eyebrows. Yet, there it stands as a testament to a bygone era.
The Verkl\u00e4rungskirche’s story starts in the late 19th century. Adlershof grew rapidly. Its population exploded. The residents needed their own church. Before the Verkl\u00e4rungskirche existed, they had to trek to K\u00f6penick for services.
In 1896, a new congregation formed. They had little money. Help came from the Prussian Evangelical Church Building Association. The monarchy aimed to counter the SPD’s influence on workers. Kaiserin Auguste Viktoria supported almost 100 church constructions. Her support earned her the nickname “Kirchenjuste”. She even attended the Verkl\u00e4rungskirche’s dedication on November 17, 1900. Locals celebrated. School children lined the streets and cheered.
Heinrich Klutmann designed the Verkl\u00e4rungskirche. Robert Leibnitz built it between 1899 and 1900. It stands as one of the few late historicism churches. Its original murals and interior remain mostly intact. The murals were restored in 2001.
The Verkl\u00e4rungskirche faced challenges during World War I. Two bronze bells were melted down for war materials. After the war, the community sold the remaining bell. They bought a complete set of three bells made of steel. These bells are tuned to D minor. They were operated by hand until 1956.
Explosions at a nearby munitions factory damaged the Verkl\u00e4rungskirche in 1917. Most of the stained-glass windows crafted by Otto Vittali shattered. These windows in the apse depicted the Transfiguration of Christ. This event inspired Auguste Viktoria to name the Verkl\u00e4rungskirche.
The Verkl\u00e4rungskirche largely survived the Second World War. However, another explosion destroyed the apse windows. In the 1950s, a Zwickau firm created new windows. They depict faith, hope, and love. Symbols include a cross, an anchor, and a heart within the Luther rose.
After German reunification, the “1000 Roofs Program” helped restore the classic slate roof. The Verkl\u00e4rungskirche’s interior was largely restored by 2001.
The Verkl\u00e4rungskirche’s design reflects Auguste Viktoria’s preferences. It blends Romanesque and Gothic architectural elements. The layout includes a western section with a tall tower. A three-aisled nave leads to a semicircular altar area. Side rooms flank the altar. A gallery sits halfway up. The Walcker company built the organ in 1934. It incorporates parts from an older organ.
Inside the Verkl\u00e4rungskirche, casein paint adorns the apse ceiling. The paintings show Bethlehem and Jerusalem beneath a starry sky. A sun with the Greek monogram for Jesus Christ dominates the sky. Zodiac symbols and six trumpet-blowing angels surround it. The side windows feature simple designs. A large crucifix above the arch showcases Mary and John.
The Verkl\u00e4rungskirche uses local materials. Stone and wood from the surrounding region make up the church. The building stands as a testament to local craftsmanship.
Today, the Evangelical Church of Berlin-Adlershof actively uses the Verkl\u00e4rungskirche. Its wooden barrel vault creates excellent acoustics. Concerts often take place here. The Verkl\u00e4rungskirche continues to serve its community. It stands not just as a building but as a living piece of Adlershof’s history.