13. Meeting Church
Because the structural condition of older church buildings left much to be desired, it was decided to build a new church building in 1972. That became today's Ontmoetingskerk. In the hall and the church hall, old brickwork recalls the old Reformed and Reformed church buildings. The Ontmoetingskerk was consecrated on December 8, 1972, and construction costs were borne by both denominations. Hans Erné, organ consultant, was an advisor in the construction of the organ.
Churches outline:
- Location: In residential area
- Year: 1972
- Building type: Block-shaped
- Surface area: 660 m2
- Denomination: Dutch Reformed
- Current function: religious (PKN)
Characteristics of the church
| Owner | Denomination |
| Address, zip code | Schansburg 3, 8401 RX |
| Monument status | No |
| Architect | Unknown |
| Building Style | Eclectic modernism/reconstruction |
| Nail-safe objects and wall art | Three stones taken from predecessor of church |
| Cemetery | No |
| Site | Square plot of which the building occupies the bulk. |
| Accessibility and parking | Good accessibility near downtown. There is ample parking in the vicinity. |
| Resources | Website Ontmoetingskerk Gorredijk Article Meeting church celebrates 50 years, SA media, Nov. 8, 2022 |
The story of the Meeting Church
Because the structural condition of older church buildings left much to be desired, it was decided to build a new church building in 1972. That became today's Ontmoetingskerk. In the hall and the church hall, old brickwork recalls the old Reformed and Reformed church buildings. The Ontmoetingskerk was consecrated on December 8, 1972, and construction costs were borne by both denominations. Hans Erné, organ consultant, was an advisor in the construction of the organ.
The Ontmoetingskerk is a modern church building with detached bell tower, constructed of yellow brick. The belfry dates from 1995 and contains the bell from the demolished Reformed Church on the Kerkewal. Characteristic of the building are the large, bright windows, which ensure that the interior is light and spacious. The church building has a square layout with a raised center section that is glazed all around.
In the south facade a double-door entrance with the logo and name of the church on the facade. In the logo of the Ontmoetingskerk you can see a cross, but also a human figure. The different colors symbolize that everyone is welcome, differences are accepted and there is respect for others. Also, the logo stands for warmth and meeting. The lines are open, representing openness. The window in the wall on the east side has a cross-shaped rod arrangement. The freestanding bell tower consists of a metal tower structure and red clockwork with gold hands.
The organ is a freestanding organ by Van Vulpen. The organ and pulpit are on a raised platform in the church case. The seating consists of individual chairs.
In the hall of the church building, there are some stones bricked into the wall, taken from the demolished church building on Kerkewal.
The building is used for church services and other religious purposes. The church also participates in Tsjerkepaad.