St. Joseph's church Strausberg

St. Joseph's Church in Strausberg, known locally as St. Josef, is a captivating piece of architecture nestled in the heart of the Märkisch-Oderland district in Brandenburg, Germany. This Roman Catholic church, built in the style of late historicism, is dedicated to St. Joseph of Nazareth, the betrothed of Mary, Mother of Jesus. Its serene presence and historical significance make it a must-visit for anyone exploring the region.

The Historical Journey of St. Joseph's Church

The origins of St. Joseph's Church trace back to 1851 when the mission parish was founded in Wriezen. The local priest was tasked by the Roman Catholic Church to conduct services in Strausberg's poorhouse, which was situated on the grounds of a former Dominican monastery. This chapel was not only a spiritual haven for Catholics but also welcomed Protestant believers and the impoverished.

By 1853, the Catholic congregation had their own chapel on Ritterstraße. However, the building's structural integrity was questionable due to its heavy use, prompting the faithful to return to the poorhouse for worship. As the century turned, Strausberg's population grew, partly due to an influx of Catholic migrant workers. Under the guidance of Leopold Nowak, the community acquired land on Weinbergstraße and began fundraising for a new church. Unfortunately, the outbreak of World War I halted their plans.

In 1923, the congregation was elevated to the status of a quasi-parish. Five years later, the construction of the church, led by Alwin Kopschina and designed by diocesan architect Carl Kühn, was completed. The church's interior was adorned by Max Malitz from Berlin, and it was consecrated on October 21, 1928, by Auxiliary Bishop Josef Deitmer. Over the years, parts of the parish, such as Müncheberg and Buckow, gained independence, and by 1950, the missionaries and Johannine sisters from Strausberg-Vorstadt had also separated.

In 1959, the original interior paintings were removed. The church received a Sauer organ in 1962, and in 1978, a new tabernacle and altar were constructed from brick. Between 1992 and 1994, the church underwent significant renovations, including updates to the pulpit and altar.

Architectural Marvels

St. Joseph's Church is a stunning example of late historicism architecture, constructed from brick and covered with a light plaster. The church is oriented to the east, with a recessed chancel ending in a polygonal shape. The rectangular nave stretches approximately 14 meters in length and 10 meters in width. Both the north and south sides feature three round-arched windows set in parabolic recesses, adorned with stained glass depicting the seven sacraments. These windows were crafted by the German glass artist Carl Busch from Berlin.

The church's most striking feature is its rectangular west tower, which houses a portal framed by a high, parabolic arch. This arch is accentuated by brickwork, and within it, two smaller, coupled arches are set back slightly. The left arch contains a double-leaf door, while the right arch holds a segmental-arched window. Above these, a wooden cross is mounted, with a circular window framed by another brick cross directly above it. The tower's upper section features three sound arcades on both the west and east sides, and a single arcade on the north and south sides. The tower is topped with a gabled roof and crowned with another cross.

Interior and Furnishings

The interior of St. Joseph's Church is both modest and elegant. The altar, constructed from reddish bricks, is simple yet dignified. These bricks are also used in the base of the golden tabernacle and the ambo. A crucifix hangs above the altar, adding to the solemn atmosphere. The white stone baptismal font stands on a turned base, and statues of Mary, Joseph, and the Christ Child are placed on a pedestal to the left of the chancel. On the right side, a mosaic depicting Joseph adorns the wall near the ambo. The wooden barrel vault ceiling mirrors the parabolic shape of the exterior windows.

The Organ and Bells

The church's organ, built by the Sauer company, was inaugurated on December 23, 1962. It features twelve stops on two manuals and a pedal, with the following disposition: II/I, I/P, II/P. The church's bell ensemble consists of three bronze bells, which ring in opposition to each other on bent steel yokes in a steel bell frame. During World War II, all but the smallest bell were surrendered and melted down. The mid-sized bell, dating from 1621, was recovered from the bell cemetery in Hamburg after the war and is now used to signal the Angelus and Holy Masses. All three bells are rung only on major feast days and special occasions.

St. Joseph's Church in Strausberg is not just a place of worship; it is a testament to the resilience and dedication of its congregation. Its architectural beauty, historical significance, and serene atmosphere make it a cherished landmark in the region. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply seeking a moment of tranquility, a visit to St. Joseph's Church is sure to be a memorable experience.