Maria-Hilf-Kirche

Did the Maria-Hilf-Kirche always stand here, so serene? No. Its story echoes the resilience of faith amidst turbulent times. This unassuming church, nestled in Berlin-Altglienicke on Cimbernstraße, whispers tales of a community’s devotion. The Maria-Hilf-Kirche wasn’t simply built. It was willed into existence by the dreams of local Catholics in the 1920s. Imagine a time before this brick structure, when a dedicated group, led by Pfarrer Alfred Brinkmann, yearned for a place of worship. They established a Kirchenbauverein, a church-building association, in 1927. Their gatherings took place in the Deutsche Haus, a local restaurant on Grünauer Straße. The Maria-Hilf-Kirche began as a shared vision. It culminated in the construction of this modest sanctuary, offering around 120 seats. The year was 1937. On September 12th, the Maria-Hilf-Kirche was consecrated by a figure who would become synonymous with resistance against Nazi tyranny: Dompfarrer Bernhard Lichtenberg. A few months later, in December, the first mass echoed within these walls. The simple design, crafted by architect Carl Kühn, belies a profound spiritual significance. The Maria-Hilf-Kirche stands as a testament to the power of faith to endure, to offer solace even in the face of adversity. The verputzte Mauerwerksbau, a plastered brick structure, sits on a rectangular footprint, its lines clean and unadorned. A right-angled annex houses the sacristy. A simple saddle roof crowns the building. Inside, the roof truss is visible. Light streams in through the windows on one side, illuminating the stark beauty of the space. On the opposite wall, fourteen poignant images depict the Stations of the Cross. These were created by artist Dietmar Block in 1974, adding a layer of artistic expression to the church’s simple elegance. For decades, the Maria-Hilf-Kirche served as a spiritual anchor for the community. Then, in 2004, it merged with St. Laurentius in Bohnsdorf and became part of the Christus König parish in Adlershof. Even today, the Maria-Hilf-Kirche remains a place of connection. The Pfarrhaus, the rectory, stands on the adjacent property on Lianenweg, further strengthening the bonds within this community. The Maria-Hilf-Kirche’s story is one of humble beginnings, unwavering faith, and enduring community.