St. Laurentius (Berlin-Köpenick)

In the charming district of Treptow-Köpenick in Berlin stands the remarkable St. Laurentius Church, a beacon of history and architectural splendor. This evangelical parish church, nestled in the heart of Köpenick's old town, has been a silent witness to centuries of change, resilience, and community spirit.

The Historical Tapestry of St. Laurentius

The origins of St. Laurentius Church date back to the 13th century when the first church, a towerless basilica made of fieldstones, was constructed on this site. This early structure featured a straight choir, a transept, and five altars, embodying the medieval architectural style of the time. As the centuries rolled by, the church underwent significant transformations. In the 15th century, a west tower was added, enhancing its grandeur and prominence in the community.

By the early 19th century, the original basilica had fallen into disrepair. In 1836, parts of the tower were dismantled, and by 1837, the entire structure was taken down. The present church was built between 1838 and 1841, based on the designs of Friedrich Wilhelm Butzke, a Prussian government building inspector. The new church was inaugurated on May 31, 1841, in a ceremony attended by King Friedrich Wilhelm IV and his wife, Elisabeth.

Architectural Elegance

The St. Laurentius Church is a testament to the architectural style of the Schinkel era, characterized by its use of round arches. The church is a rectangular brick building resting on a fieldstone base, with alternating layers of darker stones adding visual interest to the facade. The two-story round-arched windows and portals on both the nave and the tower are striking features, as are the profiled cornices adorning the arches and impost zones of the windows and portals.

The church's dimensions are impressive, with the nave measuring approximately 28 meters in length and 18 meters in width. It is topped with a gable roof covered in tiles. The west tower, which serves as the main entrance, has a square base of about 6.8 meters on each side and rises four stories high, culminating in an octagonal pointed spire. The tower houses bells from the Apolda foundry, adding a melodious touch to the church's daily life.

Interior Splendor

Stepping inside St. Laurentius, visitors are greeted by a wooden beam ceiling and a three-sided gallery. The large altar niche in the east wall contains a pulpit altar, with an altarpiece depicting the resurrected Christ with the Apostle Thomas, painted by Heinrich Lengerich in 1840. The church also boasts a baptismal font from the workshop of Christian Gottlieb Cantian, dating back to the same year.

An organ, installed by the Schuke company from Potsdam in 1963, graces the western gallery. This organ, along with other musical instruments and vocal performances, has been the centerpiece of regular concerts held in the church since 2004. The church's interior also includes a community room, fostering a sense of togetherness and engagement among parishioners.

Preserving History and Community

In 2003, a church support association was established, which organized an exhibition within the nave showcasing the history of the church building. During the renovation of the church tower in 2004, several valuable documents were discovered in the tower ball, including a copy of an indulgence letter from Johann Tetzel dated 1514 and various writings and coins. These artifacts are now part of an exhibition within the church, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past.

In 2012, the parish council decided to rename the St. Laurentius parish to the Evangelical City Church Parish Köpenick. Plans are in place to carefully restore and modernize the parish house and the associated daycare center at Generalshof 1, ensuring that these historic structures continue to serve the community for years to come.

A Hub of Cultural and Spiritual Life

The St. Laurentius Church is not just a place of worship but a vibrant hub of cultural and spiritual activities. The parish supports a children's and youth choir, as well as a brass choir. The church choir, which originated from a singing group founded in 1947, has grown significantly over the years. In collaboration with musicians, particularly from the Berlin Symphony Orchestra, the choir now regularly performs oratorios, becoming a vital part of Köpenick's cultural life.

The church's history is meticulously researched and shared by a dedicated history working group. In 2012, under the leadership of Pastor Groß, the Partnership and Ecumenism Working Group was established, aiming to foster collaboration with a Romanian parish in Sibiu and other potential partners.

Furthermore, the St. Laurentius Church played a key role in founding the Berlin-Southeast Citizens' Platform in May 2012. This community organizing initiative, supported by the Catholic University of Social Welfare in Berlin-Karlshorst, brings together citizens of all faiths and atheists to drive positive changes in their neighborhood. Achievements include improvements in public transport, healthcare, and the construction of additional sports and gym facilities.

Visiting St. Laurentius Church offers a rich tapestry of history, architecture, and community spirit. It stands as a proud symbol of Köpenick's heritage and an active center of cultural and spiritual life, inviting all who enter to explore its storied past and vibrant present.