In the bustling heart of Berlin-Friedrichshain, rises the magnificent Pfingstkirche. A testament to faith and resilience, the Pfingstkirche has witnessed over a century of Berlin’s dynamic history. The Pfingstkirche first opened its doors in 1908. It was built for a burgeoning congregation that outgrew the Auferstehungskirche. This new community chose the name “Pfingst,” meaning Pentecost, to honor the second great church festival after Easter, which the Auferstehungskirche (Resurrection Church) celebrated. The architects, Jürgen Kröger and Gustav Werner, designed the Pfingstkirche in a late Gothic style. The intricate window tracery was inspired by the Flamboyant style. Imagine the grand opening on June 28, 1908, a joyous occasion for the community.
The Pfingstkirche wasn’t immune to the trials of the 20th century. During World War II, the tower and gable suffered damage. A bomb destroyed the original choir apse, later replaced by a straight wall. Much of the interior was lost to theft in the chaotic postwar years. The original flying buttresses of the nave were simplified during the church’s restoration. The church was re-consecrated in 1950 by Bishop Otto Dibelius.
The 70-meter-tall tower is a striking feature of the Pfingstkirche. It originally held a wrought-iron cross, which was removed in 1989 and replaced with a metal sphere for lightning protection. Inside the tower, a spacious bell chamber houses three bronze bells. A steep ladder leads up to the clock level, where the church clock, once driven by an electric motor, ticks away once more after repairs in 2012.
The interior of the Pfingstkirche can hold up to 1000 people. The net vaulting creates a sense of soaring height. Remnants of the original paintings of Peter and Paul can still be seen in the choir. Two paintings, copies of panels from the Cranach Altar in Schneeberg, were installed in 1999, depicting Jesus’ capture in Gethsemane and his resurrection. A carved pulpit and baptismal font, original to the church, grace the altar area. A new organ was installed in 1953, but the Hermann Eule organ, originally in the parish hall, was moved to the church and restored in 2012, providing rich musical accompaniment. The Pfingstkirche remains a vibrant center of community life. It serves a congregation of around 1700 members. From Easter to Thanksgiving, the church resonates with worship, but during colder months, services move to the parish hall. A four-story parish hall, built between 1927 and 1929 in the New Objectivity style with expressionistic influences, stands behind the church. This building houses the Evangelische Schule Berlin Friedrichshain (ESBF), a testament to the church’s ongoing commitment to education and community. The Pfingstkirche in Berlin-Friedrichshain stands not only as a place of worship. It serves as a historical landmark and a symbol of community spirit, echoing with the stories of generations past and present.