Suche
Mein Konto
Historic Friedrichskirche in Babelsberg: Organ saves the sound!
A fundraising campaign for the restoration of the organ of the Friedrichskirche in Babelsberg begins in order to preserve the historic church.
Historic Friedrichskirche in Babelsberg: Organ saves the sound!
An important project is underway in Babelsberg: the organ of the Protestant Friedrichskirche is being restored. This church, which was founded by Frederick the Great in 1752-1753, has had its sound severely limited since its last renovation in 1953. The Gesell Schuke organ, which was built in 1850, urgently needs renovation to ensure musical quality for church services and concerts. The cost of the restoration is just under 500,000 euros, and a contract for financing will be signed next Friday, as the Daily Mirror reported.
The financing of the restoration is largely supported by the Ostdeutsche Sparkassenstiftung and the Mittelbrandenburgische Sparkasse. There is also the opportunity to raise urgently needed funds through sponsorships for organ pipes. The Babelsberg Evangelical Church Community has already collected over 100,000 euros, but more than 300,000 euros are still missing to fully finance the renovation. Those interested can get actively involved, be it through donations or participation in the organ circle.
The organ and its history
The Friedrichskirche has a long tradition. It was built as a place for the Bohemian settlers in the Nowawes weaving colony and has been used since its founding for church services, which were also held in Czech until 1809. Between 1987 and 1990 the church was an important meeting place for the GDR opposition, and in October 1989 the New Forum in Potsdam was founded there.
The organ itself has an eventful history. From the first fully-fledged organ in 1803 to various expansions to the current renovation, it has become an integral part of the community's cultural life. A chronicle of the organ shows the important milestones in its development:
- 1751-53: Bau der Friedrichskirche durch Jan Boumann.
- 1803: Einweihung der ersten vollwertigen Orgel mit zehn Registern.
- 1850: Erwerb einer neuen Orgel mit 15 Registern.
- 1913: Erweiterung der Orgel durch Alexander Schuke auf 19 Register.
- 1917: Beschlagnahmung der Zinnpfeifen für Rüstungszwecke, Ersatz durch Zinkpfeifen 1925.
- 1927/28: Instandsetzung der Kirche, Orgel wird zurückgesetzt.
- 1953: Umbau der Orgel durch Karl und Hans-Joachim Schuke zum 200-jährigen Bestehen der Kirche.
Funding and support
The “Orgelklang Foundation in the Foundation for the Preservation of Ecclesiastical Monuments in Germany” is committed to the preservation of historical organs. It enables non-repayable, earmarked funding that particularly benefits technical and sound restoration. The organ in the Friedrichskirche meets the requirements for applying for funding, which additionally secures the restoration. This type of support complements existing funding programs to ensure full funding, such as Organ Sound Foundation mentioned.
Community representatives and interested citizens are called upon to participate both financially and actively in this important preservation project. The existing sponsorships and the opportunities for dedicated fundraising show impressively how much community spirit there is in Babelsberg. Let's give the organ of the Friedrichskirche a new voice! Anyone who is interested can contact Cantor Sonja Ehmendörfer or use the wooden cash register in the church to deposit their donation.