Nederlands Hervormde Kerk

The Nederlands Hervormde Kerk, locally known as Grote Kerk, stands as a testament to the rich historical tapestry of Veendam, a charming town in the province of Groningen, Netherlands. This iconic church, with its roots tracing back to the 17th century, is a beacon of spiritual and architectural heritage that draws visitors from near and far.

The History of Nederlands Hervormde Kerk

The story of the Nederlands Hervormde Kerk begins on August 25, 1651, when the classis Oldamt and Westerwolde, inspired by the provincial synod, decided to establish a church community in Veendam. The burgeoning population in the Muntendammerveen area necessitated the construction of a church, and thus, a site was chosen between Oosterdiep and Westerdiep. The States of Groningen allocated 4,000 Carolus guilders for this endeavor, under the condition that they would retain the right of collation. This historical detail is immortalized above the entrance in the tower, where a stone bearing the coat of arms of Groningen remains to this day.

The first pastor, Henricus Hermannius, was appointed on September 5, 1655, with a yearly income of 300 Carolus guilders. The construction of the church began with the laying of the first stone by Adriaan Geerts Wildervanck on August 24, 1660. Wildervanck, the founder of Veendam and the nearby Wildervank, played a pivotal role in the church's establishment. The inaugural service in the newly completed church was held on October 5, 1662, marking the end of the congregation's temporary gatherings in a barn owned by Albert Aalders Negenkracht.

Architectural Marvels of the Exterior

The Nederlands Hervormde Kerk underwent significant expansion in 1767, doubling the size of its nave with the addition of a southern aisle. The north and south walls are adorned with pilasters, each of the four bays featuring large round-arched windows. The east wall, punctuated by five pilasters, boasts two central blind niches flanked by additional round-arched windows, with a round window crowning the façade. Both aisles are topped with hipped roofs, each end capped with a finial.

The tower, which received its first spire in 1767, has seen several modifications over the centuries. It was later clad anew and heightened, with its current form constructed from machine-made bricks. During World War II, the original bell was confiscated by the German occupiers but was eventually recovered and reinstated post-war. The tower's present appearance, featuring an open reinforced concrete structure and clock faces above the roofline, dates back to 1958. A carillon was added in 1959, and a new carillon was installed in April 2008.

A Glimpse Inside: The Interior

Stepping inside the Nederlands Hervormde Kerk, one is greeted by a wooden barrel vault supported by tie beams anchored to wall columns, corresponding to the exterior pilasters. The current interior layout emerged from the 1767 renovation. Initially, the space was filled with church pews, but these were replaced with chairs in the early 20th century. Some original pews from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries remain along the north and east walls, each designated for different groups over the years, including the gentlemen’s pew, Ommelander pew, skippers' pew, women's pew, elders’ pew, deacons’ pew, church wardens’ and notables’ pew, maids’ pew, and the dressing pew. In 1962, the coat of arms of the Wildervanck family was added to the previously blank cartouche of the Ommelander pew.

The 1767 expansion also saw the creation of the pulpit, communion table, and precentor's lectern. The pulpit, featuring a sounding board and back panel, boasts a hexagonal bowl adorned with acanthus leaves and cartouches. The front panel of the bowl depicts the coat of arms of Veendam: an arm emerging from a cloud, holding an olive branch, with a snake coiled around the arm. In 1785, Fennegijn Wijndels, the widow of Hendrik Pieters, donated a brass chandelier, and in 1962, the congregation gifted small brass chandeliers to commemorate the church's 300th anniversary.

The Majestic Organ

The church's organ, originally built in 1824 by Johannes Wilhelmus Timpe, was improved and expanded in 1847 by organ builder Petrus van Oeckelen. While only the case of the original organ remains, a new organ was commissioned from the German firm Faber & Dienes in 1927, incorporating the old case and some pipes. The organ features three manuals and a free pedal, with approximately 2,400 pipes made of wood, zinc, and tin, ranging from 1 centimeter to 5.9 meters in length. A clock face from 1782 is prominently displayed on the organ's back. The organ underwent another restoration in 1992/1993 by the De Wit firm from Nieuw-Vennep, which removed the original console and several playing aids, limiting the organ's capabilities. In 2019, the organ was recognized as a protected component of the national monument, leading to a comprehensive restoration aimed at returning it to its 1928 condition and restoring the lost tonal aesthetics.

The Nederlands Hervormde Kerk in Veendam is more than just a place of worship; it is a living museum of history, architecture, and community spirit. Its walls echo the stories of centuries past, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of this picturesque Dutch town. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply a curious traveler, a visit to this magnificent church is sure to be a memorable experience.