Faint echoes of heartfelt prayers linger here. This is the Mauritiuskirche. It stands as a testament to faith and resilience in Berlin’s Lichtenberg district. The St. Mauritius parish, established in 1892, encompasses significant portions of Lichtenberg and Friedrichshain.
Let’s delve into the story of this remarkable church. On March 8, 1890, the Prince-Bishop’s Seat of Breslau purchased the land for 29800 Mark from the knight estate owner Herrmann in Lichtenberg. Max Hasak designed the brick building in the neo-Gothic style for the St. Markus community. Its design echoed the soon-to-be-demolished Heilig-Geist-Kapelle.
The foundation stone was laid on August 24, 1891. Government master builder Starkloff oversaw the construction. On September 22, 1892, Bishop Joseph Jahnel consecrated the church. He named it Sankt Mauritius and appointed Nicolaus Kuborn as its first pastor. The construction costs of 112949.44 Mark were fully funded by donations. Kuborn sent countless letters to Catholics throughout Germany.
In 1900, a sacristy was added. It featured four colored arched windows. Later it served as a baptistery. A major expansion became necessary by 1905 due to a rapid population increase. Architects Sodermann and P. Pohl planned it. Max Hasak oversaw its realization. Numerous donations again made it possible.
Now, observe the exterior of the Mauritiuskirche. Roof turrets clad in slate adorn the transept and chancel. They evoke the architectural styles of former Cistercian monasteries. The entrance is dominated by an ornate gable. The 50-meter-high tower is crowned with an octagonal pointed helmet with a gilded cross. The original tower was more compact. Iron pillars at its eight corners supported it. In 1932, it required its first repairs, and the roof was re-covered. During World War II, German bomber planes destroyed the church tower. It was rebuilt in a simplified form after the war. The entire exterior restoration of St. Mauritius was completed in 1952. The modifications resulting from the first expansion are visible from the outside.
Inside the Mauritiuskirche, the nave extends over five bays. It culminates in a three-sided chancel. Rib vaults cover the interior. During the expansion, the original apse and gallery became a new main entrance. The former entrance area, with a transept-like polygonal extension on both sides, became the new chancel. Above the resulting crossing, the bell tower was erected. A small round window above the main entrance depicts the Lamb of God. It marks the original location of the altar before the expansion.
The nave is 40 meters long and 11 meters wide. The expansion measures 20 meters in length and 16 meters in width. Government master builder August Menken designed the interior. He employed the neo-Gothic style.
Wood sculptor Gustav Kuntzsch from Wernigerode created the altar and pulpit. A new, larger altar replaced the original in 1908. Its whereabouts are unknown. The pulpit remained in the church until the redesign after the Second Vatican Council. It was probably destroyed in 1965.
The windows above the main portal were adorned with depictions of Saint Mauritius. The side portals featured angel figures. The windows behind the altar area showcased stained glass from the Creation story. Artist Victor Johann von der Forst created them. Sadly, the Second World War destroyed these historic windows.
In 1910, the church received an organ by Bruno Goebel from Ku00f6nigsberg.
The Mauritiuskirche originally had three bronze bells. Franz Schilling in Apolda cast them. The two largest bells were melted down during World War I. The last remaining bronze bell was also taken for war purposes in World War II.
The Mauritiuskirche stands not only as a place of worship. It is also a symbol of community. It reflects the enduring spirit of Lichtenberg.