Adullamkerk

In the heart of the picturesque town of Barneveld in the Netherlands stands the Adullamkerk, a modern architectural marvel that serves as a beacon of faith and community. This striking church, located on Ds. Fransenlaan 6, is a testament to the growth and resilience of the Reformed Congregations in the region. With a rich history dating back to the late 19th century, the Adullamkerk is more than just a place of worship; it is a symbol of the enduring spirit of its congregation.

The History of Adullamkerk

The roots of the Adullamkerk can be traced back to 1895 when the Reformed Congregation in Barneveld was established. The original church was built on Nairacstraat, serving the spiritual needs of the community. Despite a significant schism within the Reformed Congregations in the Netherlands in 1953, the Barneveld congregation continued to grow. By 1967, the congregation had outgrown its original church, leading to the construction of the Rehobothkerk.

However, the growth did not stop there. By the 1980s, the Rehobothkerk also faced space constraints, prompting the congregation to hold services in a school in Wekerom. This temporary solution eventually led to the establishment of the De Valk-Wekerom congregation, which built its own church in 1985. Despite these expansions, the Barneveld congregation continued to flourish, necessitating further development.

In 1998, the Rehobothkerk underwent renovations and expansion, but even this proved insufficient. In March 2002, a decision was made to split the congregation once more, leading to the purchase of land on Lunterseweg and the construction of the Adullamkerk. The new church, designed by the architectural firm Van Beijnum from Amerongen, was completed in 2008, offering 1,376 seats. In 2021, a gallery was added, increasing the seating capacity to 1,936, ensuring ample space for the ever-growing congregation.

The Architecture and Facilities

The Adullamkerk is a stunning example of modern ecclesiastical architecture. The brick structure is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, with a design that accommodates the needs of a large congregation. The church features a main hall, a wedding hall, and three additional rooms that can be combined into a larger space using flexible walls. This versatility makes the Adullamkerk a hub for various community activities and events.

Adjacent to the church is a spacious parking lot with 355 parking spaces and a bicycle cellar that can accommodate 360 bicycles, reflecting the Dutch penchant for cycling. The church's highest point reaches 34.6 meters, making it a prominent landmark in the Barneveld skyline. With a gross floor area of 4,035 square meters and a volume of 28,600 cubic meters, the Adullamkerk is a substantial and impressive structure.

Worship and Community

The Adullamkerk is not just a building; it is the heart of a vibrant and active community. In May 2009, the Barneveld-South congregation was established, dividing the original congregation into two distinct entities. Together, the Reformed Congregations of Barneveld have a combined membership of 4,586, with the Barneveld-Center congregation accounting for 2,393 members and the Barneveld-South congregation comprising 2,193 members.

The church services at Adullamkerk adhere to the experiential Reformed tradition, with a strong emphasis on the proclamation of the Word. The congregation sings psalms in the 1773 metrical version, maintaining a connection to historical liturgical practices. The current district pastor, as of 2018, is Rev. J. van Laar, who provides spiritual guidance and leadership to the congregation.

The Magnificent Organ

A highlight of the Adullamkerk is its magnificent organ, installed in the last quarter of 2011. Crafted by the renowned Groninger organ builder Mense Ruiter, the organ is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and acoustics. Approximately 12 cubic meters of clean wood, sourced from trees around 150 years old, were used in its construction. The organ case stands 8.3 meters high, 7.8 meters wide, and up to 2.3 meters deep, housing 34 stops, including two transmissions, and a total of 2,061 pipes.

The organ's pipes range in size from one centimeter to 5.5 meters, with the pipework pre-intoned in Zuidwolde and the final voicing completed in the church. This meticulous process took over two months, resulting in an instrument with a Dutch 19th-century romantic intonation, ideal for accompanying congregational singing and prelude and postlude organ music. The total weight of the organ is nine tons, making it a substantial and awe-inspiring feature of the Adullamkerk.

A Place of Growth and Community

In conclusion, the Adullamkerk is not just a place of worship; it is a cornerstone of the Barneveld community. Its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant congregation make it a must-visit for anyone interested in the spiritual and cultural life of this charming Dutch town. Whether you are attending a service, marveling at the magnificent organ, or simply exploring the architectural beauty of the church, the Adullamkerk offers a warm welcome and a profound sense of community.