A pink concrete church. That’s how many Berliners affectionately remember St Judas-Thaddäus-Kirche. This isn’t your typical gothic cathedral. No towering spires or stained-glass windows here. Instead the St Judas-Thaddäus-Kirche in Berlin’s Tempelhof district boasts a unique curved design. Think of a pear shape stretched upwards. That’s the church’s footprint. Its construction began in June 1958 and it was consecrated just a year later.
The St Judas-Thaddäus-Kirche is more than just a building. It’s a testament to the resilience of the Catholic community in post-war Tempelhof. After World War II the neighborhood experienced a surge in Catholic residents. They needed a church. But finding a suitable location wasn’t easy. Part of the Tempelhofer Feld once belonged to the Prussian Ministry of War. That made the area unsuitable for new buildings. The construction of the St Joseph Hospital in 1928 was a turning point. Its chapel initially served the growing community.
But a proper church was needed. So the community persevered. The cornerstone was laid. The church was finally erected thanks to their unwavering faith. By 1951 they were officially recognized as a parish. A milestone in their long journey. Yet even with a dedicated church they faced more challenges. The financial burdens of maintaining two churches became difficult for the parish to handle. It led to a merger with the Mother Parish Herz-Jesu in 2004. Despite such setbacks the St Judas-Thaddäus-Kirche remains a cherished landmark. A beloved ‘pink concrete church’ in the hearts of its parishioners.
Notice the striking 40-meter-high triangular bell tower. It dominates the skyline. The tower isn’t plain. It features a three-dimensional concrete cross adorned with glass mosaic bands. Three bells hang within. Their tones have echoed across Tempelhof for decades. One bell even carries the inscription ‘St Judas-Thaddäus’. A subtle yet significant detail.
Inside St Judas-Thaddäus-Kirche the architectural details are equally captivating. The interior showcases a beautiful interplay of curves and lines. The altar area is bathed in indirect light. That comes from cleverly placed window bands. The unusual shape of the church is particularly visible from the outside. The curved roof lines create a visually stunning effect. This isn’t just a place of worship. It’s a work of art. A testament to faith and ingenuity.
The St Judas-Thaddäus-Kirche also boasts a fascinating history of significant clergy. Father Martin Domogalla OFM is particularly remembered. His charismatic sermons attracted many. He even invited Mother Teresa to the church. Cardinal Alfred Bengsch Joachim Meisner and Georg Sterzinsky all visited this church regularly. It was and remains an important place. An important place for the Catholic community in Berlin. This relatively modest building. This pink concrete church. It has a rich history. A history of faith. A history of perseverance. And a history of community.