Have you noticed how the St.-Johannis-Kirche’s slender tower seems to beckon from afar? This neogothic brick church has watched over Sassnitz since 1883. It rose to meet the needs of a town blossoming into a prominent seaside resort.
Back in the 19th century Sassnitz was booming. As tourism increased the town needed a proper place of worship. Before the church was built locals held services in a makeshift forest church. Imagine an altar made of earth and benches formed from turf.
In 1880 construction began on the St.-Johannis-Kirche. The plans came from Adolf Gerstenberg. Just three years later the church was inaugurated. It was dedicated to John the Baptist. In 1886 the church received two bells. A cemetery was added in 1903 along with the Auferstehungskapelle or Resurrection Chapel.
Sadly the original bells were melted down during World War I for war purposes. But the community rallied. By 1924 they acquired a new bell and soon after another.
The St.-Johannis-Kirche underwent a major restoration. It lasted three years and the church was rededicated on July 9 1962. During this renovation many of the original decorations were removed in favor of a more modern style. Angels candleholders pictures and wall decorations all disappeared. But the story doesn’t end there.
In 1991 the church was completely renovated. The old chandeliers were recreated. The pictures were restored. The clock and bell motor were repaired and a heating system was installed. Even the angel that was removed in the 1960s made a comeback. The Thorvaldsen workshop in Copenhagen recreated it and it was reinstalled during the Johannisfest in 2002.
Look closely at the architecture. The St.-Johannis-Kirche is a single-nave brick building in the neogothic style. Its octagonal tower stands 33 meters tall.
Inside the church you can find a crucifix and a magnificent bible modeled after the Hildesheim model. The altar window was donated by Kaiserin Auguste-Victoria. The Kruzifix is a gift from Prinz Friedrich Carl von Preussen.
The church’s organ has its own interesting history. Built in 1899 by the Dinse company from Berlin its tin prospect pipes were melted down during World War I. In 1993 the organ was restored by Rainer Wolter.
Did you know a time capsule is embedded within these walls? It holds information about Sassnitz the Kaiser and the master builder. The entire interior dates back to the church’s original construction period. The St.-Johannis-Kirche offers space for up to 400 visitors.
The St.-Johannis-Kirche stands as a testament to the town’s history. It shows the community’s resilience and dedication. It is a place of worship and a landmark visible far out at sea. Take a moment to appreciate the blend of history art and faith within these walls.