A rose window greets you. It’s the St Johannes-Evangelist-Kirche in Berlin. Built between 1898 and 1900 this Protestant church stands proudly. It’s a testament to architect Max Spitta’s neo-Romanesque vision. The name itself tells a story. It’s dedicated to John the Evangelist not John the Baptist. A subtle but important distinction.
The church has a rich history. In 1825 the Friedrich-Wilhelm-Stadt was established. A branch of the Sophienkirche it was short lived. The St Philippus-Apostel-Kirche sadly died in 1851 1852. In 1856 a new independent parish was formed. It covered the area between Ziegelstrasse (now Tucholskystrasse) and Friedrichstrasse. This area eventually became the Johannes-Evangelist congregation.
Initially the congregation didn’t own a church. In 1859 a small brick chapel was bought. A private initiative this chapel along with a rectory stood at Auguststrasse 90. It was later abandoned in 1897. The current church replaced it.
The new church was inaugurated on September 19 1900. However its early years were challenging. The expansion of Berlin around 1900 shifted the city’s population. The number of parishioners dwindled. World War II brought further hardship. An incendiary bomb damaged the street-side gable and the roof turret. It was eventually reconsecrated in 1957.
The congregation faced more setbacks. In 1978 it was dissolved. The church was leased to Humboldt University. It became a book depository. The university used it until 2002. Then Bishop Wolfgang Huber rededicated it. A midnight service marked this event. It was re-inaugurated on January 10 2003.
Today the St Johannes-Evangelist-Kirche is a vibrant place. Sunday services are regularly held. These services are called Freischwimmer-Kirche zum Auftauchen. They are run by the Protestant cultural workshop in Berlin-Mitte. The church also hosts concerts and exhibitions. Its unique design with light from a glass roof and its past make it a very special site. The church itself is a house plot. It was intended for a residential building. The close proximity of neighbouring buildings meant the only light comes from above. This gives the church a remarkable atmosphere. The building is a listed monument. It’s a beautiful example of how a building can adapt and continue to serve its community. Even amidst challenges. The St Johannes-Evangelist-Kirche is a place to explore. It’s a church with a story. A story of perseverance. A story of faith. And a story of art.