How about a little time travel? Let’s journey back to the late 19th century when the Apostel-Paulus-Kirche first graced Berlin’s skyline.
Here before us stands the Apostel-Paulus-Kirche. It is a testament to both architectural ambition and spiritual devotion. Built between 1892 and 1894, this historicist brick building is a protected landmark. Franz Schwechten designed it. The church was inaugurated on December 29, 1894. Its neo-Gothic style clearly echoes the building traditions of the Mark Brandenburg region.
Initially, the Apostel-Paulus-Kirche was part of the Alt-Schöneberg parish. However, its congregation grew rapidly. In 1913, it became an independent parish. This growth reflected the area’s booming population. Schöneberg’s population exploded due to its proximity to Berlin.
Let’s talk about Eitel-Friedrich von Rabenau. He became the second pastor at the Apostel-Paulus-Kirche in 1923. He served until 1954. Rabenau fostered strong relationships with his community. During the Great Depression, he established a support group for the unemployed.
Rabenau confronted the völkisch nationalists. In the church elections of November 1932, Rabenau opposed Wilhelm Kube’s German Christians. Rabenau affirmed that Jesus of Nazareth was the sole standard for the church. Despite Rabenau’s efforts, a majority in the Apostel-Paulus parish voted for the German Christians.
In 1933, the Prussian Minister of Culture undermined the Protestant Church’s autonomy. Rabenau protested this action. He joined the new church party. The Gestapo forced a name change. The party became known as “Evangelium und Kirche”.
The Nazis’ propaganda significantly mobilized Protestant Nazis. They influenced church elections. Despite this, Rabenau managed to sway the Apostel-Paulus parish. In 1939, the parish joined the Confessing Church. Rabenau even led the emergency parish.
Rabenau established a circle of educated laypersons. In 1937, the Gestapo arrested Rabenau and other members. In 1938, Rabenau held a service. The official church leadership suspended him.
After September 1, 1941, Jews were forced to wear the Yellow Star. In December 1941, the German Evangelical Church called for excluding those wearing the Star. Rabenau defied this call.
In early 1944, Allied air raids severely damaged the church. It was rebuilt and reopened on May 1, 1949.
Architecturally, the Apostel-Paulus-Kirche blends various influences. Schwechten used Brick Gothic forms. The church reflects both the Berlin School of Schinkel and the Hanover School of Architecture. The church’s layout is a Latin cross. The tower is 85 meters tall. It houses three bronze bells.
The Apostel-Paulus-Kirche once held 1,500 seats. Today, it holds 1,200. In 1919, the vestibule became a memorial hall. The original murals are lost. However, the stained glass survived the war.
In 1964, the church received a new organ. Rufus Wainwright performed here in 2014.
Today, the Apostel-Paulus-Kirche remains a vibrant part of Berlin. It hosts concerts and interreligious dialogues. Its doors are open to locals and tourists. The Apostel-Paulus-Kirche is a testament to history and faith.