Ever wondered how an artist’s studio transformed into a house of worship? Here we are in front of the Friedenskirche. This church in Berlin’s Westend has a unique story. It blends modern style with a touch of homey comfort.
The Friedenskirche began its life quite modestly. Back in 1919, the area around Heerstraße was growing. More people meant a need for a new church. So, the Friedensgemeinde was founded as a branch of the Epiphanien-Gemeinde.
For a while, services were held in the Waldschule. But the community needed a dedicated space. In 1926, the church acquired a property on Tannenbergallee. It was home to sculptor Wilhelm Wandschneider’s studio since 1916. The church paid 70.000 Mark for the 1567 square meter property. That’s about 324.000 euros today. They converted Wandschneider’s half-timbered house into a temporary church. The large street-facing windows remained untouched. It wasn’t fancy. The chapel had chairs instead of pews. Yet, it became a place of gathering. The first service took place on February 7, 1926.
Enter Emil Fangmeyer, a member of the congregation and an architect. He expanded the building in stages. First, in 1928, he added low extensions with overhanging roofs. Then, in 1932, he significantly enlarged the structure. The glass front was removed and the nave extended. Transepts were added. This created space for 150 more people. A gallery for an organ was also built, accommodating 30 additional individuals. A campanile replaced the wooden belfry. The cost for the construction and interior was 60.000 Mark. During construction, services returned to the Waldschule.
The church was inaugurated on October 9, 1932. It was initially called “Berlin-Heerstraße”. The name “Friedenskirche” came later in 1962. The community originally had grand plans for a new church. Otto Bartning designed a long, rectangular church with a narrow bell tower. However, his modern design was rejected. Another design for a property at Waldschulallee and Harbigstraße was scrapped due to finances.
Damaged in World War II, Fangmeyer restored the Friedenskirche between 1947 and 1949. The parish maintains two other preaching venues. One is in Eichkamp and the other in Ruhleben. The old parsonage, built in 1929, was sold in 2001. A modern new building was erected next to the Friedenskirche.
Notice the simple yet elegant design. The gray plastered building features a high nave under a gable roof. Lower transepts with lean-to roofs flank it. Harold Bengen created a three-colored crucifix sgraffito on the gable wall facing the street. Other works by him were destroyed in the war. Since 1960, a gilded cross has adorned the church tower’s hipped roof. The weather vane now sits on the church roof.
Inside, the nave has a trapezoidal vault. Light filters in through dormer windows. Three on each side. Two chandeliers and reflector lamps illuminate the space. The barrel-vaulted choir is separated by a triumphal arch. It is lit indirectly. Two steps lead to the altar area with its pulpit. Two more lead to the wooden altar. A simple wooden cross hangs on the wall behind it.
Around 1970, four wooden statues by Otto Flath were placed in the church. They depict St. Michael, St. Francis, Elijah, and an angel with a trumpet. In 1982, a new organ with 16 stops and 934 pipes was installed. It came from Freiburger Orgelbau. The old organ was moved to the Eichkamp community center. Of the original two bronze bells, the larger one was lost in the war. The smaller one is now in the Evangelical Church Treschklingen. Three new cast iron bells were cast in 1952.
The Friedenskirche stands as a testament to community and faith. It evolved from an artist’s studio. It overcame war damages. It reflects the changing needs of its congregation. As you leave, consider the blend of art, architecture, and devotion. It is a reminder that peace can be found in unexpected places.