Steenbergen, a charming town in the Netherlands, is home to a remarkable piece of architectural and historical heritage: the Sint-Gummaruskerk. This imposing church, with its towering spire and intricate design, stands as a testament to the town’s rich past and its enduring faith.
The story of Sint-Gummaruskerk is one of resilience and transformation. Although the current structure was completed in 1901, the church's origins trace back to the late 13th century. The original church, known as the Sint-Jacobskerk, was a Gothic cruciform church dedicated to Saint James the Greater. This early church was replaced around 1505-1510 by a larger Gothic structure. However, the turmoil of the Eighty Years' War saw the Sint-Jacobskerk repurposed as a barracks, and eventually, it was taken over by the Protestant community. By 1820, the church was demolished and replaced by the Witte Kerk.
The Catholic community, meanwhile, conducted their services in nearby farm barns until 1707, when a hidden church dedicated to Saint Gummarus of Lier was established in the Kleine Kerkstraat. As religious freedoms expanded in the 19th century, a new church was built in 1831 on the Grote Markt, once again dedicated to Saint Gummarus. However, this church soon proved too small for the growing congregation, leading to the construction of the current Sint-Gummaruskerk, which was completed in 1901.
The Sint-Gummaruskerk is a masterpiece of Neo-Gothic architecture with some Neo-Romanesque elements. The design was initially sketched by the renowned architect Pierre Cuypers, but it was further developed by Joseph Cuypers and Jan Stuyt. The church’s robust structure and intricate details are a marvel to behold. Despite being built on 1100 wooden pilings, the heavy structure began to sink, leading to the addition of extra chapels and niches in 1928 to distribute the weight more evenly. This intervention successfully halted the subsidence, though the church still shows signs of its gradual descent into the ground.
The church boasts an impressive crossing tower that reaches a height of 83 meters, making it the third tallest church in North Brabant, after the Sint-Joriskerk in Eindhoven and the Grote Kerk in Breda. The tower, accessible by appointment, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding West Brabant region, and on clear days, the main tower of the Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp can be seen.
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During World War II, the Sint-Gummaruskerk faced significant destruction. The church, with its commanding view over the region, was blown up, resulting in the collapse of all its towers, the burning out of the nave, and the loss of all its stained glass windows. Restoration efforts began in 1946, and by 1949, the roof over the nave was restored, allowing Christmas Mass to be celebrated in the church for the first time in five years. The corner towers were rebuilt in the mid-1950s, and the crossing tower was completed in 1960.
The church is home to four bells, all housed in the crossing tower. The original bells were taken by the Germans during World War II and never returned. The current bells, which chime during services and mark the time, include the Jacobus, Gummarus, Maria, and Adrianus bells. Each bell has an inscription: Jacobus reads Laudo Deum (I praise God), Gummarus reads Convoco vivos, plango mortuos (I call the living, I mourn the dead), Maria reads Nuntia Maria (I announce Mary), and Adrianus reads Shalom (Peace).
The Sint-Gummaruskerk is not just a building; it is a symbol of the resilience and faith of the Steenbergen community. It stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the town's rich history and cultural heritage. Visitors to the church can admire its architectural beauty, learn about its storied past, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of the panoramic views from its towering spire.
In conclusion, a visit to the Sint-Gummaruskerk is a journey through time, offering a glimpse into the history, architecture, and enduring spirit of Steenbergen. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply a curious traveler, the Sint-Gummaruskerk is a must-see landmark that will leave you in awe of its grandeur and the stories it holds within its walls.
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