Trinity Church #24 by Broken Window Theory, on Flickr“An ugly concrete block.” This is what this former church is being called. And yet it is really interesting. Simply because this place is so distinctive from other sacral buildings. This summer we travelled to the unusual house of god.
Check out our documentary on YouTube:
To avoid any unwanted attention, we had to take the most inconspicuous way to the property we could imagine. After measuring the pros and cons we decided to wade through the water of the nearby small river. Even though it was really unpleasant, it was the best choice in our view. After a case of incendiary shortly before our visit, the area was fenced off tightly and the adjacent road is heavily trafficked. So the only way to get inside the church unseen went through the water.
Trinity by Broken Window Theory, on FlickrTo our great relief the damage by the fire wasn’t as bad as we thought, although large parts of the building complex were already scarred by vandalism. Fortunately, the large hall had been spared the worst.
Hand of God by Broken Window Theory, on FlickrThis was the church of a Catholic parish which lost their former Lord's house in World War II. Back then the building had been destroyed during an air raid. After that, it took around 40 years until the new church was built under the regime of the German Democratic Republic. The groundbreaking ceremony was in 1980. Two years later the building complex on the property of 5.000 square meters was finished.
Looking For Heaven by Broken Window Theory, on FlickrAfter only 20 years, structural damages were noticed in the church. It is said that the foundation is compromised because of moisture and construction defects. Allegedly, a newly constructed church was supposed to be as expensive as the permanent remediation of this one. So a new one was built. In 2015, the last mass took place here. The church was then desecrated and the parish moved to the new building.
Trinity Church #10 by Broken Window Theory, on FlickrIn the old house of prayer you can even find a model of the new church. But the new one is quite controversial. It’s ranked as the biggest new build of a church in Eastern Germany and it cost around 30 million Euros. So the remediation of the old church would have been a lot cheaper.
Organ by Broken Window Theory, on FlickrUnfortunately, the organ has been destroyed almost entirely by thieves. After the church was abandoned there were a lot of housebreakings and thefts. Next to parts of the organ even radiators and door handles were stolen by metal thieves. As well as a bell that weighed about 240 kilograms. It was around 80 years old and was part of the old church which was destroyed in World War II. We were surprised how big the organ actually was. Although all three of us were standing inside the instrument, every single one of us had sufficient space to move around.
Trinity Church #20 by Broken Window Theory, on FlickrA few months ago, the property was sold to a real estate company. Although the former church is protected as a historic monument it is allowed to knock the place down. It’s highly likely that this will be happening soon. New housings could arise here. Because rents in this neighborhood are increasing faster than in most other parts of the city. So as it seems, this church will fall victim to gentrification.
Trinity Church #23 by Broken Window Theory, on Flickr
...I'm afraid I don't think it would be in such good condition if that were over here. Never seen a ceiling like that before its fab! You guys definitely visit some top places!
