Martha of Bethany. The name echoes through time as we stand before the Marthakirche. This church in Berlin-Kreuzberg is more than bricks and mortar. It is a testament to faith. It is a story etched in stone and brick.
The Marthakirche emerged from a growing community. The Emmaus congregation had swelled to nearly 100000. To better serve its members, it was divided. In 1899, land was purchased on Glogauer Strasse 22 for a new church. This was to be a place for worship and community.
In 1902, the city of Berlin stepped in. They agreed to fund the church’s construction. The cornerstone was laid and the church was named Marthakirche. This name honors Martha of Bethany. Empress Auguste Viktoria became a patron. Her dedication to church building earned her the nickname “Kirchen-Juste.”
Architects Georg Dinklage and Ernst Paulus designed the Marthakirche. They also designed the parish house. Construction began in 1902. By 1904, the Marthakirche was complete. It was built in the style of the German Renaissance. Red brick and stone create a striking visual. On May 29, 1904, the church was dedicated. The Prussian Crown Prince attended the ceremony. From 1909 to 1911, the parish house was built. It features two prominent towers. Three bells cast in 1910 hang within.
The Marthakirche bells speak volumes. The first bell proclaims “The glorious confession.” The second bell warns of “The first temptation.” The third bell offers hope. “I am the resurrection and the life.”
An organ built by E. F. Walcker & Cie. was installed in 1904. It had three manuals, a pedal, and 41 registers. A planned community center was never built. During this time, the community used nearby homes for meetings.
World War II brought devastation. The Marthakirche suffered heavy damage. Post-war repairs were simplified. The towers’ original pointed roofs were not restored. In 1963, Karl Schuke built a new organ. It had two manuals, a pedal, and 27 registers.
In the 1970s, the Marthakirche underwent a major renovation. Architects Werner Harting and Gerhard Strauchmann redesigned the interior. The nave was divided horizontally. The lower level became space for youth programs. The worship area was moved to the upper level.
The Marthakirche is easy to miss from the street. It sits back from the road. The architects placed the towers on the parish house. Side wings create a courtyard. This leads to the church entrance. The church has three naves. Light enters through north and west windows. Light also comes from above through skylights. A tower on the northwest corner houses stairs. These lead to the north and organ lofts.
Above the main portal, look for sandstone carvings. Nine cherubs adorn the facade. A sculpture of Christ stands above, created by H. Giesecke. Reliefs by Friedrich Pfannschmidt decorate the portals.
The Marthakirche stands as a symbol of faith and community. It has endured war and change. It continues to serve the people of Berlin-Kreuzberg. Its history is etched in every stone. Its bells still call to all.