Menorah

In the bustling neighborhood of De Wiken in Drachten, Netherlands, stands a remarkable piece of local heritage, De Menorah. This former church building, with its unique architectural design and rich history, has been a cornerstone of the community since its construction in the late 1960s. Though no longer in use as a place of worship, De Menorah remains a symbol of the neighborhood's vibrant past and communal spirit.

The Birth of a Community Landmark

The story of De Menorah begins in the 1960s, a time when the eastern part of Drachten was rapidly expanding. The neighborhoods of De Wiken and De Venen were burgeoning, with new homes sprouting up and a growing population of residents, many of whom were members of the Reformed Church. By 1967, the need for a dedicated place of worship in this area had become pressing, leading to the initial plans for a new church.

In 1965, the first proposals for a new church building were drafted, with the initial location planned for the area between Schwartzenberghlaan and De Knobben. However, after some revisions, the chosen site became the corner of Langewyk and Dwarswyk. The newly established district church council 'Oost' of the Reformed Church of Drachten took charge of this initiative, and by 1967, temporary services were being held at the Christian Technical School on Splitting.

The Construction and Inauguration

The construction of De Menorah was a significant undertaking, with local architect J. van der Tas at the helm of the design and the Drachtster construction company R. Paulusma executing the build. Despite some initial setbacks, including delays caused by frost, the project moved forward. On March 4, 1970, De Menorah was officially handed over and inaugurated, marking a new chapter for the community.

De Menorah's architectural design is particularly noteworthy. The complex was designed to resemble a traditional Frisian kop-hals-romp farmhouse, with distinct sections representing the parsonage, the pastor's study, and the church itself. This design choice not only honored local architectural traditions but also created a welcoming and familiar environment for the congregation.

Features and Facilities

Inside, De Menorah was equipped with a variety of features to serve its congregation. The church organ, built in 1970 by Pels & Van Leeuwen, was a standout element, boasting 14 stops and 900 pipes. It was the only organ in Drachten with a breastwork, adding to its uniqueness. The church hall could accommodate 490 people, with the possibility of expanding to 540 by incorporating the adjacent theater hall, which had a total floor area of 574 square meters.

Other notable features included a fixed baptismal font, a gift from the architect and builders, and a communion set donated by the district congregation. The church tower, standing at 19.5 meters high, was erected on January 30, 1970. Its bell, tuned to the note C, was designed to harmonize with the many church bells that rang out across Drachten on Sunday mornings. The menorah symbol on the exterior wall, with its lamp-topped branches, added a distinctive touch to the building's façade.

A Name with Significance

The name Menorah was chosen through a naming contest held by the church council. The winning suggestion came from a couple who had been inspired by their travels to Israel, where they encountered the Jewish menorah, a candelabrum with seven branches. This symbol of light and faith was deemed fitting for the new church, and thus De Menorah was born. For a time, it was the only church in the Netherlands with this name, although others have since adopted it.

Jubilee and Farewell

De Menorah celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2020, a milestone that was marked with a special church service. A commemorative choir participated, and the focus was on celebrating the church's history and contributions to the community. However, this celebration was bittersweet, as it also marked the beginning of the end for De Menorah as a place of worship.

In early 2019, the Protestant Municipality of Drachten decided to seek buyers for De Menorah and another church, De Arke, as part of a consolidation effort. By March 2023, the process of demolishing the church building began, making way for the construction of 29 new apartments on the site. The parsonage, however, would remain, preserving a piece of the original complex.

Though De Menorah no longer serves as a church, its legacy lives on in the memories of those who worshipped there and in the new developments that will rise in its place. It stands as a testament to the community's resilience and ability to adapt and grow, even as the physical landscape changes around them.