Oude Kerk Ede

Nestled in the charming town of Ede in the Netherlands, the Oude Kerk Ede (originally known as Oude Kerk) stands as a testament to centuries of history, faith, and community spirit. This historic church, owned by the Reformed Congregation of Ede (PKN), is not only a place of worship but also a cultural hub, hosting regular organ concerts and choir performances that draw visitors from near and far.

The Rich History of Oude Kerk Ede

The origins of Oude Kerk Ede trace back to around 1200, when it began as a modest stone hall church. It is believed that prior to this, a wooden chapel occupied the same site. The tower, a prominent feature of the church, dates back to the 14th century, while parts of the current structure were built around 1470.

In the 14th century, the nave was extended, and the current tower was constructed. However, the church faced significant destruction in 1421 due to wartime activities. During the reconstruction, the choir, as it stands today, was erected. The church was originally dedicated to John the Baptist.

In 1635, a lightning strike caused a fire that severely damaged the tower and the church roof. It took several years to restore the damage, and in 1643, the current vaults in the nave and the southern aisle were installed. Remarkably, an old Romanesque sidewall on the north side remains in its original state, though it is unclear if the church had a northern aisle at that time. The large size of the church is particularly notable, given that Ede was a small village during that period.

The lower part of the church tower, constructed primarily of tuff stone, likely dates from the 15th century. In the 17th century, the tower was raised with brick. The two front corners of the tower feature ornate consoles and crowns, remnants from before the Reformation. Before the iconoclasm, these supported statues of John the Baptist and Saint Barbara.

In 1946, a plaque was added to the tower in memory of World War II.

Restoration Efforts

From 1963 to 1967, the church underwent significant restoration, regaining a symmetrical form with the addition of a northern aisle. The small tower at the intersection of the nave and the transept was also restored. Another restoration took place in 1994, during which the vaults and walls were repaired. In 2007, the clock faces on the tower were renewed, and in 2008, the church square was renovated. The walls around the square were removed, and gravel was replaced with paving and planting. The statues of the 12 apostles, previously removed from the walls, were reinstalled.

In 2009, the decision was made to replace the broken underfloor heating. During the removal of asbestos, the church was closed for four months, and services were held in the Bethel Church in Ede-South. This period was also used to perform major maintenance on the organ. The traditional organ concerts were temporarily moved to the Nieuwe Kerk.

Exploring the Interior

The interior of Oude Kerk Ede is rich with history and character. Until the 19th century, it was customary for prominent residents to be buried in the church. Today, 37 gravestones, the oldest dating back to the 15th century, bear witness to this tradition. The last person buried in the Oude Kerk was Schout van Meurs in 1822. During the 1960s restoration, the graves were cleared, and the stones were gathered together.

The church also houses a beautifully carved oak pulpit from 1674, a striking feature that adds to the historical ambiance of the interior.

The Magnificent Organ

The organ, built in 1877 by the Van Dam firm from Leeuwarden for the Reformed Church in Nieuwe Niedorp, was moved to Ede in 1967. It was restored and expanded by the Pels firm, with renowned Dutch organist Feike Asma serving as an advisor. In 2020/2021, the organ was renovated by Van Vulpen, ensuring its continued grandeur and functionality.

The Carillon

Since 1987, the tower has housed a carillon, initially consisting of 47 bells, including the three existing chimes. Due to the limited range of music that could be played, four additional bells were added in 1998, bringing the total to 51. The carillon is played by Boudewijn Zwart, following in the footsteps of former city carillonneur Henry Groen.

The Oude Kerk Ede is more than just a historical building; it is a living monument that continues to play a vital role in the community. Whether you are attending a service, enjoying a concert, or simply exploring its rich history, a visit to this remarkable church is a journey through time and a celebration of heritage and culture.