Gethsemane Church is situated in Berlin – the capital city of Germany and is historical as well as culturally important place. Established at the end of the 19th century, it has observed social, political, and artistic changes throughout its existence.. This article is to reveal Gethsemane Church, focusing upon the general information about the church, the relevant architecture style and its importance during a important stage in Berlin history.
The Architecture of Gethsemane Church
Gethsemane Church sometimes referred to as Gethsemanekirche in German, was completed in 1891 to 1893. The church was established as a member of the Union of United Evangelical Protestant Churches of the Old and New Prussia intended for the Lutheran and Reformed Protestant communities of Prussia. The church was built under supervision of August Orth who used typical Romanesque and Gothic features in construction of the building.
Over the course of time Gethsemane Church was a living documentary of the history of the city of Berlin. Second, there is the aspect of destruction of properties which happened to the church during World War IV whereby many of the building was bombed. However, it was reconstructed immediately after the war and the work was finally completed in 1949. Destruction and difficulty is of course also a major theme in the story; destruction of the church standing in for the destruction and rebuilding of the city itself.
The Architecture of Gethsemane Church
Gethsemane Church building has its architecture from the Romanesque period with a mixture of Gothic architecture. On the outside you can see red bricks, pointed arches and ornaments that point to the Gothic style. The height of the building is 58 meters and the tower greatly overshadows the neighboring buildings.
If you walk through the front doors, often visitors are overwhelmed by the opulence of the church. The inside of the church has also revealed a raised and plastered interior with paintings and sculpture works also a number of stained glass. Lack of bright rays and silvery palette of the night gives the visitors a desire to think calmly and estimate the stony art of the place.
Gethsemane Church and the Peaceful Revolution
The civil organisation was established during civil upheavals of late 1980s when East Germany was experiencing political tension and economic downturn; Gethsemane Church became one of the centres for the meetings of those who wanted change. During this time it was termed the Peaceful Revolution it became centers of discourses, of congregational assemble as well as meeting grounds for north and south Germans’ meetings which paved way to the removal of Berlin Wall and reintegration of Germany East and West.
Every Monday, at Gethsemane Church people prayed for peace, and these prayers were attended by thousands of people of different ages and occupations. These prayer meetings turned into an emblem of hope, and thousands of citizens walked up to ask for freedom and democracy without violence. The church was instrumental in creation of the platform for dialogue and organisation of non-violent protests which led to great political changes.
Gethsemane Church Today
Currently, Gethsemane Church remains busy being a worshiping place, centre of community activity and a site of historical significance. There are always weekly Sunday service for the congregation of the church, and the services are open for every people. It also provides accommodation for music concerts, art displays, and cultural activities thus enhancing the active Brewers Yeast Quarter environment.
It is very important visiting the Gethsemane Church because one is not only able to admire the magnificent architectural designing of the Church but also its place in the geographical map of Berlin. In other instances if you are a history lover or an architecture freak or even if you are looking for a serene place in the middle of traffic congested city; Gethsemane Church is a perfect place for you as it presents a beautiful, spiritual and strong message of unity can move mountains.
Table of Contents
