Poised at the corner of Samoa- and Sprengelstraße the Osterkirche stands as a testament to history and faith. The Osterkirche’s story begins in a rapidly growing Berlin. Around 1902, the area was divided into plots. Apartment buildings sprang up. The need for a new church became clear.
In 1907, the Berlin evangelical community acquired land for the Osterkirche. Until 1908, this area was part of the Nazareth congregation. The Nazareth Church was near Leopoldplatz. The new congregation was named Ostergemeinde in 1908. This name means Easter Congregation. It reminded people of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Georg Dinklage and Ernst Paulus designed the Osterkirche. The original design featured two towers. In 1909, the church council approved the design. Construction began. The foundation stone was laid on May 8, 1910. On June 18, 1911, the Osterkirche was consecrated.
The architecture reflects historicist Gothic style. It reminds people of Brandenburg traditions. The Synode provided 200,000 Mark for construction. The community raised additional funds through donations. The Osterkirche cost 308,035.40 Mark. The Gemeindehaus cost 129,975 Mark.
Barnim Grüneberg from Stettin built the organ. The Bochumer Verein cast the three steel bells. These bells survived both World Wars. In November 1943, a landmine destroyed the windows. However, the interior remained intact. During the final days of World War II, the tower roofs were destroyed. In 1953, the tower was rebuilt with a simple hipped roof. Its height became 40 meters. The first postwar service took place on June 30, 1946.
In 1966, a new organ was installed. In 1969, the large window facing Samoastraße was replaced. The Osterkirche celebrated its 110th anniversary in May 2018.
The Osterkirche integrates into the surrounding block. The red brick building is dominated by a massive tower. A round stair tower is in front. Inside, a pointed double portal leads to the nave. The nave was transformed into a memorial hall in 1922. It honored the 600 community members who died in World War I. The church hall has side galleries. The hall is lit by staggered rows of windows.
August Oetken designed the interior. The designs are completely preserved. The gallery railings have colorful tracery surfaces. Willy Dzubas and Theo Behrens created two large murals in 1913. These murals depict Easter stories. Above the murals, a frieze depicts the four Evangelists. Lukas is said to resemble Hermann Kottig. Altar, pulpit, and baptismal font are in the Historicism style.
Today, the Osterkirche is an active community. It is known for its motto “Glauben Leben.” This means “Living Faith.” The church supports the Berliner Tafel. It is a food bank. The Osterkirche also hosts the OSTERIA. This is a place that combines culture and sociability. The Gemeindebrief informs about news from the community.
The Osterkirche stands as a symbol of resilience. It connects history, community and faith. Its doors are open to all regardless of belief.