Oostkerk (Middelburg)
The Oostkerk ( German Eastern Church ) is an octagonal domed church in Middelburg from the years 1664–1667. It was the first larger church in the city to be built specifically for Reformed worship after the Reformation . This makes it one of the most important examples of early Protestant church building in the Netherlands.
Construction and building history
Like many Protestant churches, the Oostkerk is a central building. It stands on an octagonal floor plan and is closed off by a dome with a lantern . With its rich decorations, the building contradicts the Calvinist ideal of simplicity of the construction period. But since Middelburg was a wealthy city, the new church should also meet the need for representation.
In 1644 the first plans arose to build a church for the Dutch Reformed Church in the new district in the east of the city. To this end, suggestions were made from other Protestant churches in Holland. An octagonal central building with a dome was to be created. For this, 17 houses had to be expropriated. To finance the building, the city levied an additional tax on wine and beer.
The construction of the church began in 1648 based on designs by the builders Bartholomeus Drijfhout and Pieter Post . Master builder Aart van's Gravensande continued construction from 1651 after Drijfhout died. Gravensande also died before the church was completed. The Middelburg city architect Louis Jolyt took over the work and completed the building in 1667. The church was consecrated on July 6, 1667 .
organ
The organ dominates the north-west side of the interior. The pulpit and the altar are centrally located below. The organ was built by the brothers Petrus and Johannes de Rijckere ( Kortrijk , Flanders). After many complaints and changes, it was put into operation in 1783.
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Web links
Individual evidence
Coordinates: 51 ° 30 ′ 10 " N , 3 ° 37 ′ 14" E