Barnabaskerk

Nestled in the charming neighborhood of De Parken in Apeldoorn, the Barnabaskerk stands as a testament to early 20th-century ecclesiastical architecture. This striking church, built between 1919 and 1920, was designed by the Apeldoorn-born architect J.A. Heuvelink. With its distinctive cross-shaped layout and rich history, the Barnabaskerk is not just a place of worship but also a cultural landmark that invites visitors to explore its architectural beauty and symbolic significance.

The Historical Roots of Barnabaskerk

The story of the Barnabaskerk begins in 1894 when the Christian Reformed Church congregation acquired a plot of land on what was then Marialaan, now known as Canadalaan. The site already housed a sexton’s residence and a parsonage. As the congregation grew, particularly with the establishment of the Theological School (now the Theological University of Apeldoorn), it became clear that a larger church building was needed. On April 5, 1919, the decision was made to construct a new church and sexton’s house on the same site. The foundation stone was laid on October 1, 1919, and the church was inaugurated on September 30, 1920, in a service led by lecturer De Bruin.

Over the years, the Barnabaskerk has played a pivotal role in the community. In 1956, the Samuelkerk in Apeldoorn-Zuid and in 1972, the Andreaskerk in Apeldoorn-Oost were established as offshoots of the Barnabaskerk. The name Barnabaskerk was adopted in the 1960s, coinciding with the Samuelkerk becoming an independent entity. The name Barnabas, meaning Son of Consolation, reflects the church's mission to provide comfort and support to its congregants.

Architectural and Symbolic Significance

The Barnabaskerk is rich in symbolism, much of which is intricately woven into its architecture. The church’s cross-shaped design is a powerful representation of the Christian faith. At the front of the church, before the pulpit, stands a table adorned with a bowl, a jug, and a cup, symbolizing the Holy Communion.

One of the most captivating features of the Barnabaskerk is its stained-glass windows, which are replete with symbolic imagery. Above the main entrance, three symbols can be seen: a cross, an anchor, and a burning heart, representing the three divine virtues of faith, hope, and love. Higher up, a window depicts a triangle with an eye, symbolizing the Holy Trinity and God's omniscience.

Other windows feature a serpent biting its own tail, four stars, and an hourglass. The hourglass represents mortality and the finite nature of life, while the serpent and stars symbolize the infinite nature of time and space. These symbols were all designed by the architect, adding a layer of personal artistry to the church’s design.

The Organ: A Melodic Journey

The Barnabaskerk is home to a remarkable organ, which has a storied history of its own. The current organ, built by the Gebroeders Van Vulpen from Utrecht, was originally constructed in 1961 for the Dutch Reformed Pauluskerk in The Hague. In July 2002, it was acquired to replace the existing Reil organ, which had been in place since 1953 but had fallen into disrepair. The Reil organ was last played on September 22, 2002, before being dismantled the following day. The Van Vulpen organ was then transported from The Hague and installed in the Barnabaskerk, with its inaugural performance taking place on November 29, 2002. The installation was carried out by the Gebroeders Van Vulpen, with necessary modifications to the church’s interior overseen by the management committee.

A Legacy of Inspiration

The influence of the Barnabaskerk’s design extends beyond Apeldoorn. In 1923, a larger version of Heuvelink’s design was constructed in Nijverdal, inspired by the then-pastor Müller, who was so taken with the Barnabaskerk’s architecture that he returned to Nijverdal with plans and photographs to persuade his congregation. The church in Nijverdal was built by contractor Gebroeders De Heer. Another of Heuvelink’s designs, the Dorpskerk in Nunspeet, was constructed in 1938, also featuring a cross-shaped layout.

Visiting the Barnabaskerk is not just an opportunity to explore a beautiful piece of architecture; it’s a chance to delve into a rich tapestry of history, symbolism, and community spirit. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or someone seeking solace, the Barnabaskerk offers a unique and enriching experience. Its walls echo with the stories of generations, making it a must-visit landmark in the heart of Apeldoorn.