Envision this space a sanctuary of stories etched in stone. This is Kirchhof IV, Ev. Georgen-Parochialgemeinde. It is one of five cemeteries managed by the Lutheran Georgen-Parochial Congregation in Berlin.
Opened in 1848, Kirchhof IV offered a final resting place. The chapel on this cemetery is considered the oldest in Berlin. It was built between 1865 and 1867.
Pause for a moment and consider the weight of history here. Kirchhof IV holds a large World War II war grave section. There is also a mass grave containing almost 500 burials. These graves serve as a stark reminder of Berlin’s tumultuous past.
But there is one thing to keep in mind. The final resting places in Germany are not eternal. Space is limited. Kirchhof IV has a period of repose of 20 years. After that time, the cemetery administration places a small sticker on the gravestone. This alerts the family to contact the office. If the family does not pay for another 20 years or if the grave is not of historical importance the grave will be leveled. It will then be re-used. Leftover stones are collected and crushed. They are eventually used as gravel in road construction.
Kirchhof IV is part of a larger network of cemeteries. The Lutheran congregation manages five cemeteries in Berlin. They are Georgen-Parochial-Friedhof I, II, III, IV, and V.
Georgen-Parochial-Friedhof I is in Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg. Georgen-Parochial-Friedhof II is in Berlin-Friedrichshain. Georgen-Parochial-Friedhof III is in Berlin-Weissensee. Georgen-Parochial-Friedhof IV is also in Berlin-Friedrichshain. Georgen-Parochial-Friedhof V completes the set also in Berlin-Friedrichshain.
It is important to remember the history and the stories held within these grounds. Take a moment to appreciate the peaceful atmosphere. Think about the lives that once were. Kirchhof IV stands as a testament to Berlin’s past. It shows the ever-changing nature of life and memory.