The former Romanesque-style church was almost completely destroyed in a major town fire in 1397. On June 6, 1397, Johann, Bishop of Garda and auxiliary bishop of the absent Johann von Camin, who was present in Malchin, granted the burnt-down St. John's Church in Malchin an indulgence "for rebuilding and equipping" in order to quickly promote the rebuilding of the church. The new church building was consecrated as early as 1440.
It was built as a three-aisled Gothic basilica. The original Gothic spire fell down in 1648 and was then replaced by a Baroque dome, which was slightly altered again in 1897.
The Gothic church is a symbol whose characteristics are the beautifully organized and visible structure of the supporting and connecting building elements on the one hand, and the treatment of light, the "transparency of the walls" on the other. Our church - a space of tranquillity with large windows to the outside world. The altar structure is a work from 1824 and the painting depicting the crucifixion of Christ was created by Wilhelm Krüger. The surrounding columns are made of stucco lustro, a marble substitute. At the top are the apostles Peter and John. The crucifixion of Christ is framed by the stained glass windows to the left and right, which were installed in 1902/03. Below the two windows are two old gravestones, the left one of which shows a Güstrow canon, Nikolaus Breyde. The gravestone on the right commemorates Dr. Johannes Sadenwather, a meritorious mayor and chronicler of Malchin, and his wife.
The baroque façade of the organ comes from an old organ from 1780 and was left in place when the Mecklenburg organ builder Friedrich Friese built a new organ for the church in 1877. The organ has two manuals, pedal and 28 stops. The Mecklenburg coat of arms on the gallery is a reminder of the state conventions in Malchin.
In the Marienkapelle, above the 19th century Lütkemüller organ, the 15th century triumphal cross group is kept, which once had its place above the steps to the chancel of the large church.
The greatest treasure of our church is the Marian altar from the 15th century. This work originally served as the main altar after the consecration of our church in 1440. In the center of the carved fixed side is the coronation of Mary, the mother of Jesus. At her side are 36 saints, including the twelve apostles. The outer panels of the altar wings tell the story of Jesus' life, his birth and passion, as well as John the Baptist and legends from the life of John the Evangelist.
Technical dimensions of the church:
Height of the church interior: 22 meters
Length: 42 meters
Height of the church tower: 65 meters
