Perhaps you’ve noticed the unique red brick facade of Pfarrkirche Altglienicke. It stands proudly at the corner of Semmelweis and Köpenicker Straße. This church in Altglienicke is more than just a building. It is a symbol of resilience and faith for the community.
Pfarrkirche Altglienicke’s story begins long before its current structure. As early as 1375 historical records mention four parsonage farmlands in Glinik. This suggests a resident pastor and likely a church existed then. It was probably a simple timber-framed building.
Over the centuries Pfarrkirche Altglienicke has seen many changes. One of the earlier churches reportedly burned down during the Thirty Years’ War. In 1757 a baroque church was built. Abraham Lehmann and Johann Rüdel from Spandau designed it. This church was simple. It had plastered brick walls a flat roof and a wooden tower. However, problems appeared soon after completion.
By the early 1800s the church became too small. It only held 120 people. It was expanded to accommodate 199 but it was still not enough. In 1866 there was a request for a new larger church. The government initially rejected it because of the cost. After negotiations, the old baroque church was torn down in 1894.
On July 18, 1894, the cornerstone was laid for the Pfarrkirche Altglienicke we see today. The dedication took place on November 10, 1895. It was Martin Luther’s birthday. Ludwig von Tiedemann designed the impressive three-nave church in a Neo-Romanesque style. It also includes Neo-Gothic elements. The slender square tower with its pyramid roof is unusual for a village church. Red brick covers the entire building.
Pfarrkirche Altglienicke is 36 meters long and 16 meters wide. The tower is 41 meters high. Inside about 800 people can be seated. The organ was built in 1895 by Wilhelm Sauer from Frankfurt.
During World War II Pfarrkirche Altglienicke suffered bomb damage. Yet, it was quickly repaired. The 50th anniversary was celebrated on November 11, 1945.
In the 1960s changes were made inside Pfarrkirche Altglienicke. A glass wall created a smaller heated space. This “winter church” was under the organ gallery.
During the DDR era the church fell into disrepair. But in 1995 on its 100th anniversary the nave was renovated. More work has continued on the tower.
Today Pfarrkirche Altglienicke stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of its community. Its walls have witnessed centuries of change and its doors are open to all.