Peter-Paul-Kirche

The Peter-Paul-Kirche in Senftenberg, Brandenburg, is a historic gem that has stood the test of time, offering visitors a glimpse into the architectural and cultural heritage of the region. This venerable church, dedicated to the apostles Peter and Paul, is the oldest in Senftenberg and is located on the Kirchplatz, just northeast of the Senftenberger Markt. With its simple yet elegant interior, the church presents a serene and contemplative atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with its storied past.

The History of Peter-Paul-Kirche

The origins of Peter-Paul-Kirche date back to the second half of the 13th century, making it a witness to centuries of history. Its construction is comparable to other significant churches in the region, such as the St. Nikolai Church in Luckau and the Evangelical City Church in Calau. By the early 16th century, the church had taken on the form we see today, complete with a square sacristy added in the late 15th century.

The church has endured numerous challenges, including devastating city fires in 1509, 1641, and 1717, which repeatedly damaged the structure and destroyed the tower and bells. Thanks to the generosity of Senftenberg's citizens and tax exemptions granted by the Saxon Elector, the church was rebuilt each time. Notably, after the 1509 fire, the unique knickgratzellengewölbe vault was installed, a construction technique originally used in secular buildings like the Albrechtsburg in Meissen.

The Reformation reached Senftenberg in 1539, and a year later, a Wendish church was established to serve the Sorbian-speaking population. Consequently, Peter-Paul-Kirche became known as the German Church. The church underwent significant renovations in the 17th and 18th centuries, with a major overhaul in 1891-1892 led by architect Zieetz from Eutin. This renovation introduced a pointed gable tower with a clock, replacing the previous low-pitched roof and elevating the tower to approximately 60 meters. The interior was also updated with neo-Gothic furnishings and a new heating system.

World War II brought further destruction when the church was heavily damaged by artillery fire in April 1945. The tower, roof, and nave were completely burned out. Emergency repairs were made in 1946, and a full reconstruction took place from 1951 to 1958, culminating in a rededication ceremony on September 28, 1958. In 1985-1986, a new tower roof was added, reminiscent of the original design, and restoration work in 2012-2013 revealed and reopened a bricked-up door between the sacristy and the nave.

Architectural Features

Peter-Paul-Kirche is a late Gothic hall church with three naves and a transverse rectangular three-story west tower. The construction materials include bricks and fieldstones, giving the church a robust and timeless appearance. The nave is divided into three bays, with the choir featuring two bays. The bays in the central nave are rectangular, while those in the side aisles are elongated.

The choir's design follows the Lausitz school style, with the ribs of the last bay slightly skewed towards the eastern wall pillar, creating the impression of a choir walk. The exterior of the choir and nave is supported by stepped buttresses. The unique cell vault or net rib vault is supported by ten freestanding octagonal pillars, while the sacristy's cross vault is adorned with pear-shaped ribs.

The church measures 44 meters in length and 18 meters in width, with the nave reaching a height of 14 meters. The tower, including the cross and ball, stands at 32 meters tall.

Interior Highlights

Before the Reformation, the church housed six altars, including the main altar dedicated to the Virgin Mary, St. Andrew, and St. Nicholas. The late Gothic main altar, dating from the late 15th century, featured a carved figure of Mary in the center and statues of the apostles Peter and Paul on the sides. Unfortunately, this altar was removed during the 1891-1892 renovation and sold to the Dobrilugk Monastery in 1905. The current altar is a simple sandstone structure with a large wooden cross.

The pulpit, crafted in 1618 at the expense of Mayor Ambrosius Handt, features symbols of the apostles Peter and Paul. Additionally, parts of a Baroque altar from the Wendish Church are displayed on the north side of the church. This altar, created by painter Abraham Jäger from Finsterwalde in 1682, was eventually assembled in Peter-Paul-Kirche after decades of neglect.

The baptismal font, made by Zacharias Starke from Dresden, is another notable feature. Starke was born in Senftenberg, and the font is said to mark the burial site of Hans von Polenz, the Landvogt of Lower Lusatia.

A sculpture on the right central column commemorates the long-standing partnership with the Leersum community in the Netherlands.

The Organ and Bells

The church's organ history dates back to 1504. A new organ was built in 1635 by Christian Koch, an organist and organ builder from Großenhain. Subsequent renovations and additions were made over the centuries, with a significant update in 1891-1892 by the Schweidnitz firm Schlag & Söhne. The current organ, installed in 1960, features 2,222 pipes, three manuals, a pedal, and 29 registers, crafted by Eule Orgelbau Bautzen.

The church's bells have also faced destruction over the years, particularly during the major city fires and World War II. The current set of three bells, made of cast iron by Meister Schilling from Apolda, were consecrated in 1956. Each bell bears an inscription from the Bible, reflecting the church's enduring spiritual message.

Peter-Paul-Kirche stands as a testament to resilience and faith, its walls echoing the stories of a community that has rebuilt and restored their beloved church time and again. A visit to this historic site offers a profound connection to the past and a serene space for reflection and admiration.