Sint-Antonius van Paduakerk

In the picturesque town of Ede, nestled in the heart of Gelderland, Netherlands, stands the magnificent Sint-Antonius van Paduakerk. This Roman Catholic church, dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua, is not just a place of worship but a beacon of history and architectural splendor. Built between 1952 and 1953, the church is a testament to resilience and faith, rising from the ashes of its predecessor destroyed during World War II.

The Historical Tapestry of Sint-Antonius van Paduakerk

The origins of the Sint-Antonius van Paduakerk are deeply intertwined with the military history of Ede. In the early 20th century, Ede, predominantly Protestant, saw an influx of Roman Catholic soldiers following the construction of the first barracks in 1904. This diverse influx necessitated the establishment of a Catholic place of worship, leading to the construction of the first church in 1920, designed by Wolter te Riele. Unfortunately, this church was completely destroyed during the Allied bombings in preparation for Operation Market Garden in 1944.

Undeterred by this devastation, the Catholic community, under the guidance of Chaplain Padberg, initiated the construction of a new church on the same site. The architectural genius Johannes Martinus van Hardeveld from Amsterdam was commissioned for this project. By 1953, the new church was ready, and on July 21, 1954, it was consecrated by Bernardus Alfrink, the then auxiliary bishop of Utrecht. The construction cost was estimated at 240,000 guilders, a significant amount for that era.

Architectural Elegance: Exterior of the Church

The Sint-Antonius van Paduakerk is designed as a basilica, featuring a high nave flanked by lower aisles. The east side of the church is marked by a grand entrance set within a broad and lofty tower front. This facade is adorned with three entrance doors, each symbolically significant. Above the left and right doors, the Greek letters Alpha (Α) and Omega (Ω) are inscribed in natural stone, representing the beginning and the end. The central door is surmounted by a cross, a universal symbol of faith.

A striking feature of the church’s exterior is the large rose window with intricate stained glass, flanked by depictions of the apostles Peter and Paul. Above this window are three bells, one from 1960 and two added in 1983. The entire structure is capped with a gable roof, crowned with a cross. The west side of the church houses the apse, featuring a gable end with a bell and the Christogram atop it.

Stepping Inside: The Interior of Sint-Antonius van Paduakerk

As you step through the eastern entrance, you are greeted by three double stained-glass doors leading from the vestibule into the main body of the church. To the left, the former baptismal chapel has been transformed into a serene silence center, while to the right lies the Marian or 'devotion chapel'. The ceiling of the church is a marvel, with imitation beams and joists made from mesh and plaster, giving it a rustic yet elegant appearance.

The side aisles feature two stained-glass doors each, leading to the confessionals. A notable piece within the church is a concrete statue of Saint Anthony (1954), crafted by the artist Auguste Manche. The nave culminates in a grand triumphal arch leading to the chancel, flanked by shallow niches housing statues of Mary and Joseph, sculpted by Wim Harzing in 1961.

On the right side of the Marian statue, the foundation stone of the church is embedded, bearing an inscription that chronicles the church’s history, from its dedication by Chaplain F.H. Padberg in 1921, its destruction in 1944, to its reconstruction by Pastor L.G. Eppink in 1953. The rear of the church features a choir gallery housing an organ built by the Pels firm in 1966, adding a musical dimension to the sacred space.

A Living Monument

The Sint-Antonius van Paduakerk is not just a historical and architectural marvel; it is a living monument, continually evolving with its community. In 1987, a modern extension connected the church to the rectory and sacristy, and the baptismal chapel was expanded to accommodate a silence center. This adaptability and resilience reflect the enduring spirit of the church and its congregation.

Today, the Sint-Antonius van Paduakerk is part of the Parish of St. Titus Brandsma, following a merger in 2010. Despite the closure of the nearby Good Shepherd Church in 2013, the faith community has consolidated and continues to thrive under the name Catholic Community Ede.

Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or a spiritual seeker, the Sint-Antonius van Paduakerk in Ede offers a rich tapestry of stories, artistry, and faith. It stands as a testament to the resilience of a community and the enduring power of faith, inviting visitors to explore, reflect, and be inspired by its timeless beauty and profound history.