St. John's church (Eberswalde)

St. John's Church, locally known as Johanniskirche, stands as a majestic testament to the neo-Gothic architectural style in the heart of Eberswalde, Brandenburg, Germany. This stunning structure, with its red brick facade and towering spire, has been a prominent landmark since its consecration in 1894. The church is nestled in the city center on Ludwig-Sandberg-Straße, serving as a spiritual and cultural hub for the Evangelical community of Eberswalde.

The Birth of St. John's Church

The roots of St. John's Church trace back to the late 17th century when Swiss and Huguenot immigrants settled in Neustadt-Eberswalde. By 1693, the Evangelical Reformed St. John's congregation was established. Initially, the community worshipped in a half-timbered church built in 1717, located in the town square. However, as the original church fell into disrepair, a new architectural vision was needed.

In 1885, the Berlin Architects' Association held a competition to design a new church. Although the first prize was awarded to Hugo Hartung and Richard Schultze, it was the design by Robert Thiem and Ernst Milde that ultimately came to life. Construction began in October 1891, and after 25 months of diligent work, the church was officially inaugurated on October 3, 1894.

A Journey Through History

St. John's Church has weathered many storms throughout its history. In 1928, the interior was renovated, replacing the gas lighting with electric lights and refreshing the color scheme. However, the church faced significant challenges during World War II. A bombing raid in April 1945 caused extensive damage, necessitating years of repairs to the exterior and temporary fixes to the roof and masonry. The stained glass windows, shattered by the bombing, were replaced with parts from another church.

The church underwent several phases of restoration over the decades. The altar area and pulpit were extensively remodeled between 1965 and 1966, and a new organ was installed in 1967. Despite these efforts, structural issues persisted, prompting further repairs from 1979 to 1986, including the near-complete renewal of the bell frame.

In the early 1990s, extensive renovations were carried out, addressing the roof structure and masonry. The spire and church roof were re-tiled, and the damaged tower cross was refurbished. Remarkably, the tower clock, with its original Roman numeral dials, was brought back to life in 1994. However, just before the church's centennial celebration, a fungal infestation in the roof structure was discovered, likely a lingering consequence of wartime damage. Despite this setback, the necessary repairs were completed in time for the anniversary.

Architectural Splendor

St. John's Church is a striking example of neo-Gothic architecture, constructed from red brick. The church features a main nave and a side aisle, with a 41-meter-high bell tower attached to the southeast side. A smaller tower on the northwest side provides access to the west gallery. The chancel, located in the east, is designed as a semicircular apse, seamlessly integrating with the main nave.

Interior and Furnishings

The church's interior retains much of its original charm. The wooden pews and the west gallery, which can accommodate around 500 worshippers, are original features. The limestone baptismal font is another enduring element. The altar area and wooden pulpit, redesigned during the 1965-66 renovation, reflect a more austere aesthetic. Above the altar, a suspended crucifix with a copper corpus, created by Potsdam artist Robert Kahlbaum, adds a touch of solemnity. Natural light filters through the vibrant mosaic windows in the five-sided apse and the south wall of the main nave. The original altarpiece, Christ and the Samaritan Woman at the Well by Berlin painter Richard Martin, and a biblical quote from the First Epistle of John adorn the south wall.

The Organ and Bells

The original organ, built by the Eberswalde firm Kienscherf in 1894, was replaced in 1967 with a new mechanical instrument by organ builder Hermann Eule from Bautzen. The organ, featuring two manuals, a pedal, and 19 registers, is characteristic of the neobaroque style.

At its consecration in 1894, the church was equipped with three bronze bells cast by the Zehlendorf bell foundry Gustav Collier. During World War I, the two larger bells were melted down for war purposes. In 1918-19, the Bochum Association supplied three cast steel bells, which continue to ring out today.

A Vision for the Future

In recent years, St. John's Church has faced declining use and increasing disrepair. Recognizing the need for preservation, the Evangelical Church District of Barnim assumed responsibility for the church in February 2021, launching the initiative Third Place. Save and (Re)Use St. John's Church. This initiative aims to transform the church into a vibrant community and cultural center. Plans include hosting readings, concerts, poetry slams, theater performances, and exhibitions, making the church a neighborhood and event space. A feasibility study by the Berlin architectural firm adb was presented to the public in August 2019, outlining a vision for a multifunctional cultural and educational venue. The proposed supplementary building will house a kitchen, accessible restrooms, offices, and storage facilities, ensuring the church remains a dedicated place of worship while embracing its new role as a cultural hub.

St. John's Church, with its rich history and enduring beauty, stands poised for a new chapter, inviting visitors to explore its past and be part of its future.