How about a change from the historical buildings around us? Katholische Kirchengemeinde St. Richard presents an interesting contrast. This modern church in Berlin-Neukölln offers a different perspective. It stands in the Rixdorf district.
St. Richard is more than just a building. It’s a vibrant community. The church is known for its diverse programs and its commitment to the neighborhood. For example, it runs a daycare center and a senior citizens’ home.
The history of St. Richard is quite interesting. The parish was initially part of the larger St. Clara parish. In 1905, St. Eduard was separated. Later, St. Richard and St. Christophorus became independent parishes. A church was built for St. Christophorus between 1929 and 1932. But St. Richard only got a provisional chapel.
Carl Kühn designed this first chapel. It was a simple rectangular hall church. The chapel had a flat gable roof. It was dedicated on June 9, 1930. A small bronze bell hangs in its bell tower. It weighs only 107 kilograms. The Ulrich brothers cast the bell. And it still rings today.
The chapel was named after Saint Richard of Chichester. This was in reference to Rixdorf’s original name: Richardsdorf. In the 1930s, plans for a large church fell through because of lack of funds. The idea was revived in the 1950s. But before the new church was built, a community center was created in 1956. It opened on September 1, 1958.
The current St. Richard Church was designed by Michael König. It was consecrated on December 13, 1975. The church is located at Braunschweiger Strasse 18. It is now a protected landmark.
The building has a compact, towerless central structure. Its floor plan consists of interlocking, rounded rectangles. Vertical window slits provide indirect light. Six skylights further illuminate the altar area.
Inside, the walls are partly clad in wood. The ceiling is also wood-paneled. The altar area is elevated by three steps. Paul Brandenburg designed the altar area. The 14 Stations of the Cross are cast reliefs. They are located on the wall opposite the altar. Some artworks come from Kühn’s chapel. Statues of saints were also taken from the 1930 chapel.
Paul Ohnsorge created the concrete altar wall. It depicts a scene from the Book of Revelation. God is enthroned above all. The apocalyptic lamb and the book with seven seals are at his feet. The 24 elders surround him. The artwork was completed in 1976. It was finished posthumously according to Ohnsorge’s plans. Art historian Konstantin Manthey described it as “a strong mixture of abstraction and figuralism.” Rudolf Heltzel created a painting of Saint Richard.
Manthey concludes that St. Richard is a hidden gem. From the outside, it appears plain and unassuming. But inside, it is an outstanding example of postmodern church architecture.
Interestingly, the chapel built in 1930 still exists. Today, it serves as a church café. In winter, it provides emergency shelter for the homeless.
So, as we stand here, take a moment to appreciate the blend of history and modernity that St. Richard embodies. It is a testament to the community’s enduring spirit. It’s also a reminder of the power of faith.