Do you see that unassuming yet striking building before you? That is the Himmelfahrtskirche. Its story is one of destruction, resilience, and rebirth. The Himmelfahrtskirche stands as a testament to Berlin’s enduring spirit.
Originally constructed between 1890 and 1893, the first Himmelfahrtskirche was designed by August Orth. It stood proudly near the Volkspark Humboldthain. This church was a beautiful example of neo-Romanesque architecture. Yellow brick and terracotta adorned its rounded arches. On June 4, 1893, the community rejoiced at its inauguration.
However, war brings devastation. During the final days of World War II in 1945, the original Himmelfahrtskirche was destroyed. Its ruins stood as a painful reminder of the conflict. In 1949, the towering 72-meter spire was demolished. It once housed three impressive steel bells. The bells had been arranged in two tiers.
Following the war, the Himmelfahrt congregation sought a new place to worship. Services were temporarily held in a former restaurant. It was located at the corner of Swinemünder Straße and Ramlerstraße. But this arrangement was not a permanent solution.
In 1951, the congregation formed a church building association. The original site was repurposed. It became a rose garden within the Humboldthain. In exchange, the city of Berlin provided a new location for the church.
Otto Bartning, a renowned architect, designed the new Himmelfahrtskirche. His design reflected modern architectural principles. The foundation stone was laid on December 30, 1953. The new church was dedicated on May 20, 1956.
Bartning’s Himmelfahrtskirche is conceived as a community center. His churches emphasize clear spatial structures. He made the construction visible. There are echoes of his standardized emergency churches. They were built after the Second World War.
The church’s framework is constructed of reinforced concrete. The walls are filled with brickwork and plastered. A band of windows runs between the masonry and the eaves. Community rooms are located in the basement. They are also in the cubic extensions on the sides. The sanctuary is connected to a 22-meter-high open campanile. It features three bronze bells made in 1954.
Inside, the roof battens are visible. The interior’s depth is enhanced by frames. A large stained-glass window serves as the altar wall. It casts colored light throughout the space. The rear of the hall can be separated. It serves as a church café or winter church. The flexible space uses wooden chairs instead of fixed pews.
Today, the Himmelfahrtskirche is more than just a building. It is a symbol of faith. It is a testament to community, and a place of welcome. In 2001, the Himmelfahrt congregation merged with the neighboring Friedenskirche congregation. Since 2001, the Friedenskirche serves as the Serbian Orthodox Church of the Holy Sava. The Himmelfahrtskirche became the main worship space for the merged congregation.
The congregation maintains ecumenical ties with the Mor Izozoel community. This Syriac Orthodox congregation uses the Himmelfahrtskirche. They also participate in ecumenical celebrations. Remember the story of the Himmelfahrtskirche as you continue your tour.