Heilig-Hartkerk

The Heilig-Hartkerk, or Sacred Heart Church, stands as a magnificent testament to the neo-Gothic architectural style in the charming town of Turnhout, Belgium. This grand edifice, with its towering spire reaching an impressive height of 92 meters, dominates the skyline and invites visitors to explore its rich history and intricate design.

The History of Heilig-Hartkerk

The story of Heilig-Hartkerk begins in the late 19th century, a period marked by significant growth and change in Turnhout. On May 9, 1896, the Belgian Official Gazette announced the establishment of the Sacred Heart parish. Shortly thereafter, Petrus Verschueren, then the vicar of Saint Peter's in Turnhout, was appointed as the first parish priest. His initial and most monumental task was the construction of the church.

The foundation stone of the Heilig-Hartkerk was laid in 1903, and the construction progressed swiftly. By September 1906, the church was nearly complete, missing only the floor. Tragically, Verschueren passed away at the age of 61, and the first mass held in the new church was his funeral service. The church was officially inaugurated on February 3, 1907, by Victor Glenisson, the director of the Sacred Grave educational institution. It was consecrated on May 11, 1909, by Bishop Legraive, the auxiliary bishop of Mechelen.

Architects Petrus and Jules Taeymans, a father-son duo, were commissioned to design the church, which was initially envisioned as a grand cathedral. However, financial constraints led to a scaled-down version of the original plans. Despite this, Heilig-Hartkerk remains the largest building in Turnhout and boasts the tallest church tower between Antwerp and Cologne. In 1999, the church was designated as a protected monument by the Provincial Commission for Monuments and Landscapes.

Architectural Highlights

The Heilig-Hartkerk is a marvel of neo-Gothic architecture, characterized by its soaring spire, intricate stonework, and expansive interior. The church's tower, which can be climbed to a height of 71 meters, is crowned with a cross symbolizing both defeat and triumph. The tower houses three large bells: Petrus, Julius, and Maria, each with its own unique history and significance.

The Petrus bell, named after the church's first parish priest, was consecrated in 1907 and weighs approximately 580 kilograms. The Julius bell, weighing 500 kilograms, was consecrated in 1958 and named after Petrus Julius Van Assche, a parish priest who served from 1928 to 1957. The largest bell, Maria, weighs a staggering 2,646 kilograms and was also donated by Van Assche. The church's original clock, installed in 1907, has since been modernized and is now controlled by a computer system in Frankfurt, Germany.

Interior Splendor

Inside the Heilig-Hartkerk, visitors are greeted by an array of stunning features. The church's organ, located in the upper gallery, was constructed by the Stevens firm from Duffel and inaugurated on March 1, 1909. This impressive instrument boasts 45 registers spread across three keyboards and a free pedal, with electro-pneumatic action.

Another notable feature is the pulpit, designed in the strictest primitive Gothic style and installed on December 31, 1907. Crafted by the Goffaerts firm from Leuven, the pulpit is made from blue stone and labradorite marble, with intricate carvings depicting Christ and the four great Western Church Fathers: Augustine, Gregory, Ambrose, and Jerome.

The church also houses four confessionals, created by the renowned sculptor Napoleon Daems from Turnhout. These confessionals feature statues of saints such as John Nepomuk, Mary Magdalene, Peter, Paul, the Good Shepherd, Margaret of Cortona, Augustine, and Wivina of Bijgaarden.

The Stations of the Cross and Choir

The church's Stations of the Cross, made of copper, were designed by architect Corthouts from Leuven and crafted by the Pirotte firm from Liège. These stations were consecrated on Good Friday in 1908 and depict various scenes from Christ's Passion.

The choir area of the church is equally impressive, featuring a large mission cross and an ornate communion rail made of Comblanchien marble and gilded copper, installed in 1907. The choir is separated from the main body of the church by this elaborate rail, which includes symbols of the Holy Sacrament and intricate foliage carvings. The choir stalls, made by Turnhout sculptors Van Troy and Van Hoeck, were designed by architect Corthouts and installed in 1938. Above the stalls, murals by Louis Asperslagh depict the raising of Lazarus and the miraculous healing of the blind man.

Stained Glass Windows

The church's stained glass windows are another highlight, with several notable examples in the high choir. These windows, created in 1906 by stained glass artist Dobbelaere from Bruges, depict scenes such as Christ meeting His mother on the way to Calvary, the angel comforting Christ, Mary Magdalene washing Christ's feet, the appearance of the Sacred Heart to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, the Crucifixion, the Nativity, Christ appearing to Thomas, the Last Supper, and the multiplication of the loaves.

In conclusion, the Heilig-Hartkerk in Turnhout is not just a place of worship but a monument to the town's rich history and architectural heritage. Its towering spire, intricate interior, and stunning stained glass windows make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the region. The church stands as a testament to the dedication and craftsmanship of those who built it and continues to inspire awe and reverence in all who enter its doors.