St. Sabinen

St. Sabinen Church, nestled in the picturesque town of Prenzlau in Brandenburg, Germany, is a hidden gem that offers a rich tapestry of history and architectural splendor. As the oldest church in Prenzlau, St. Sabinen stands as a testament to the town’s medieval heritage and resilience through the centuries.

The Unique Name and Its Origins

St. Sabinen Church is unique not only for its historical significance but also for its rare dedication. It is the only church in the German-speaking world named after Saint Sabinus. The origins of its name have sparked various theories. Some believe it is named after Sabinus of Assisi, a martyr honored in medieval Pomerania. Others suggest Sabinus of Piacenza, a protector against floods, as the church is situated near the Unteruckersee, an area prone to flooding. Interestingly, some historical texts blend these two figures, attributing flood protection to Sabinus of Assisi.

A Journey Through Time

The history of St. Sabinen Church dates back to the late 12th century, when a settlement near the Röwenburg at the northern shore of Unteruckersee had a church. By the mid-13th century, a monastery dedicated to Mary Magdalene, later colloquially known as the Sabinenkloster, was established south of the church. The Reformation brought significant changes; the monastery lost many of its rights in 1543 and was secularized by 1558. The Sabinen Church then became the evangelical parish church of the Unterstadt (Neustadt).

In the late 18th century, the church faced a major challenge when its western gable was undermined by floods. Despite proposals to merge with the Marienkirche congregation, the community rallied to rebuild their church, successfully completing the reconstruction in 1816-17. The medieval early Gothic eastern gable was preserved, while the rest of the structure was renewed.

World War II brought further trials. In April 1945, Prenzlau was heavily bombed, damaging the church’s interior and destroying the 1816 organ by Carl August Buchholz. The surrounding buildings, including the parsonage, were also devastated. Restoration efforts in the 1950s and 1970s helped restore the church to its former glory.

Architectural Marvels

St. Sabinen Church is a long, rectangular fieldstone structure founded on oak piles due to the marshy ground. The 1816-17 renovation gave the church its current form, featuring a hall building with seven segmental arch windows on both the north and south sides, and a plaster ceiling inside. The west gable boasts a half-timbered tower with a distinctive roof dome. The eastern gable, with three pointed Gothic windows, is a remnant of the original medieval structure.

Five of the southern windows still retain their 1816-17 glazing, while the rest were replaced after World War II. The church’s interior is equally captivating, with a three-story wooden altar from 1597, crafted by a Prenzlau woodcarving workshop. This Renaissance altarpiece was transformed into a pulpit altar in 1817, with a pulpit basket inserted into the central field and the crucifixion group moved to the elevated predella. The remaining figures from the original Last Supper scene were relocated to side niches, though some were lost over time. The upper section of the altarpiece depicts the Resurrection, with three of the four Evangelist figures – Mark, Luke, and Matthew – adorning the pulpit basket railing. The altar’s original bright colors and gilding were restored during the 1972-75 renovation.

Historical Artifacts and Treasures

Among the church’s oldest artifacts is a late Gothic crucifix from 1530, originally from the Marienkirche, with later-added arms. A wooden Baroque baptismal stand from 1725, also from the Marienkirche, adds to the church’s historical treasures. In the early 19th century, the church was fitted with surrounding galleries, extending along both long sides up to the altar. Some of these galleries were removed during the 1950s renovations.

Four portraits of former pastors, including Christoph Süring, Prenzlau’s chronicler and pastor from 1654 to 1673, hang on the walls, adding a personal touch to the church’s rich history. The current organ, built by Alexander Schuke Orgelbau of Potsdam in 1955, continues to fill the church with music.

Exploring the Surroundings

While the southern monastery buildings no longer exist, the church’s surroundings still hold historical significance. The parsonage and other structures were destroyed in 1945, but a stable from the sexton’s property, northeast of the church, remains. This early 19th-century half-timbered building with a hipped roof is a protected monument in its own right.

In conclusion, St. Sabinen Church is not just a place of worship but a beacon of history and resilience. Its walls tell stories of faith, community, and survival through the ages. A visit to this remarkable church offers a glimpse into Prenzlau’s rich past and the enduring spirit of its people.