| Emperor Wilhelm II gave order to erect this
church as a memorial to his father Wilhelm I. In 1895, it
was completed and soon became the focal point of the sophisticated
'new West'. Western Berlin was developed at that time. While
many enjoyed the neo-romantic and gothic architecture, some
criticized the high costs. Among the critics: one of Germany's
number one poets Christian
Morgenstern.
During World War II, the church was severely damaged. After
the war, the fate of the church was undecided. Some wished
to install a church made from glass inside the ruins. Others
planned to reconstruct the building. Others again opted for
total demolition of the church in order to build a new church
from scratch.
Finally, it was decided to preserve the ruins as a lasting
memory of the futility of war. Next to the church, Egon Eiermann
planned and built a modern church. The contrast of traditional
and modern architecture is especially refreshing.
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