St.-Peter-und-Paul-Kirche

The St.-Peter-und-Paul-Kirche, also known in its local language as St. Peter und Paul, stands as a beacon of faith and history in the charming town of Senftenberg, Brandenburg, Germany. This Roman Catholic Church, constructed in 1924, is not just a place of worship but a testament to the town's rich cultural and religious heritage. Nestled in the northern part of the town on Calauer Straße 1, the church is dedicated to the apostles Peter and Paul, mirroring the dedication of the Evangelical Church in Senftenberg.

The Historical Journey of St.-Peter-und-Paul-Kirche

The story of St.-Peter-und-Paul-Kirche is deeply intertwined with the evolving religious landscape of Senftenberg. The introduction of Lutheranism in 1539 under the rule of Duke Henry IV of Saxony saw the town embracing the new faith, like much of Albertine Saxony. However, the tides turned with the advent of industrialization, particularly the brown coal mining boom, which brought an influx of industrial workers and a resurgence of the Catholic population.

In 1871, Father Schneider of Wittichenau granted Father Spittel the authority to fully administer pastoral care in Senftenberg. This pivotal moment was followed by the first Catholic service since the Reformation, held on November 20, 1887, by Father Sauer in the then Hotel Baranius near the train station. The growing Catholic community soon necessitated a dedicated place of worship, leading to the consecration of a temporary half-timbered church on December 20, 1893, in the northern part of the town.

Plans for a permanent church were set in motion, and by 1898, a new brick church with a towering spire was consecrated. However, the burgeoning Catholic congregation quickly outgrew this structure, prompting further expansion under Father Stanislaus von Tessen. Despite financial setbacks due to inflation, the groundbreaking for the new church took place on June 1, 1924. Ingeniously, the original church’s outer walls were incorporated as columns in the new design, with additional side aisles, a tower roof, and an altar space being added. The new church was consecrated on May 25, 1925, by Auxiliary Bishop Valentin Wojciech of Breslau.

Architectural Splendor and Interior Grandeur

The architecture of St.-Peter-und-Paul-Kirche is a harmonious blend of historical elements and modern enhancements. The church comprises a main nave, two side aisles, and a chancel. The west tower, crowned with a clock, adds a distinctive feature to the church’s silhouette. The interior of the church has undergone several transformations, each adding to its aesthetic and spiritual appeal.

In the mid-20th century, the chancel was redesigned by the artist Hertel from Cottbus. The high altar was dismantled, and the new altar space was adorned with travertine, generously donated by the Bonifatiuswerk. The new tabernacle, crafted in Burg, was funded by the congregation’s donations of gold and silver. The high altar was consecrated on Maundy Thursday in 1956.

The church witnessed a significant transformation between 1977 and 1981 under the artistic direction of Gottfried Zawadzki from Kamenz. This period saw the installation of glass concrete windows, new pews, and updated lighting. The altar, tabernacle, and ambo were recast in concrete and embellished with clinker bricks. The crucifix’s corpus from the old high altar was preserved, while the statues of the apostles were repositioned. The church’s interior was repainted in March 1981, and the altar was consecrated by Bishop Bernhard Huhn on March 27, 1982.

The Melodic Heart: The Organ

The church’s musical soul, its organ, has a story of its own. The original pneumatic organ, installed in 1925 by the Oettinger firm G. F. Steinmeyer & Co., was only partially completed due to financial constraints. Over time, the organ deteriorated and was patched up by parishioners until it became unplayable in 1992. In December 1993, an electronic two-manual resonator organ was installed, with its speakers and resonators cleverly hidden behind the original organ facade.

Illuminating Faith: The Stained Glass Windows

The ten glass concrete windows designed by Gottfried Zawadzki are a visual feast, depicting various religious themes and adding to the church’s serene ambiance. These windows not only enhance the aesthetic beauty of the church but also serve as a medium for spiritual reflection and inspiration.

St.-Peter-und-Paul-Kirche is more than just a building; it is a living chronicle of Senftenberg’s faith journey, a sanctuary of solace, and a beacon of community spirit. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or a spiritual seeker, a visit to this venerable church promises a rich and fulfilling experience. The church stands as a testament to the enduring faith and resilience of its congregation, inviting all who enter to partake in its storied past and vibrant present.