Trinitatiskapel

In the heart of Dordrecht, a city known for its rich history and picturesque canals, stands the Trinitatiskapel, a modest yet captivating late Gothic hall church. This chapel, originally part of the Blindeliedengasthuis, has a storied past that dates back to the 14th century. Today, it serves as the church of the Evangelical Lutheran Congregation, offering visitors a glimpse into the religious and cultural history of the region.

The History of Trinitatiskapel

The Trinitatiskapel's origins are deeply rooted in the 14th century when it was established as a chapel for the Blindeliedengasthuis, a hospital for the blind. The chapel featured three altars and a choir, serving the spiritual needs of its community. However, by the 17th century, the chapel had taken on a different role, functioning as a storage space for coffins and turf.

In the early 17th century, Dordrecht saw the emergence of a small Lutheran community. Despite their efforts to establish a place of worship, their gatherings were met with resistance from the Reformed Church and local authorities. It wasn't until the arrival of many German merchants in the city after 1680 that the Lutheran community grew significantly, prompting the need for a dedicated church building.

Frederik Mühlhoff, a prominent sugar refinery owner, petitioned the city council for a church for the Lutheran congregation. In 1690, the Trinitatiskapel was chosen and consecrated as the Lutheran church, thanks to its suitability for conversion with minimal expense. The city of Dordrecht even donated three stained glass windows to adorn the chapel's façade, crafted by glazier Evert van Wel.

The Architecture and Interior of Trinitatiskapel

The Trinitatiskapel is a late Gothic hall church with a rectangular floor plan and a three-sided closed choir. The choir is supported by buttresses, while the side walls are divided into five sections, with the rear section forming the side of the choir. The roof is a wooden barrel vault covered with slate tiles.

The chapel's façade, a Vingboonshalsgevel from 1689, was modified and plastered in the 19th century. A distinctive feature of the façade is the weather vane in the shape of a swan, symbolizing Lutheranism. At the roof ridge above the choir, an iron cross with a small weather vane can be seen. The rear wall of the choir houses a bell chair with a bell of unknown origin, measuring 30 centimeters in diameter.

Inside the chapel, the apse houses an organ and a pulpit, both in the Louis XVI style, crafted in 1779 by Jan van Galen and painted by artist Kuipers. The interior also features 18th-century brass items, including a lectern, candlesticks, and two large chandeliers. The first chandelier, adorned with four sugar loaves, was purchased by nine sugar bakers' apprentices. The second chandelier was donated in 1700 by Derek and Joachim van Stock, who also gifted a silver communion plate and a baptismal bowl.

At the front of the chapel, a gallery with 50 seats provides additional space for worshippers. The gallery is supported by elegant columns, adding to the chapel's serene and inviting atmosphere.

Art and Artifacts

Over the centuries, the Trinitatiskapel has seen many of its original artworks and artifacts lost or removed due to war, neglect, and the influence of Calvinist austerity. In 1823, the three stained glass windows were removed and returned to the donors' families, replaced with clear glass panes. A window depicting Faith, Hope, and Charity, once located next to the pulpit, is also no longer present.

Despite these losses, several historical items remain. The chapel's façade still features the gilded swan, crafted by François Guilleaume Hesmerg in 1857, and the iron cross atop the roof ridge. Inside, a bronze lectern inscribed with Mattheus Rouvlack, 1693 originally adorned the pulpit but now stands on a brass base. A wooden shield with a relief image and the inscription Pressa Valentior (the palm tree grows under pressure) is mounted on the north wall near the gallery.

A stained glass window in the north wall, created by D. Boode in 1948, depicts five scenes from World War II, with the text of Luther's hymn A Mighty Fortress Is Our God below. The chapel also houses a bronze Easter candle holder with three volute feet.

Other valuable items are preserved elsewhere, including a ceremonial cup presented to Reverend Frederik Michelsen in 1858 for his 40-year service anniversary, a silver communion cup (possibly by A. de Vos, 1693), a silver communion plate (by Anthonie Zeggelaar, 1708), and a silver baptismal bowl (by Jacobus Quinting, 1710). The Lutheran Bible (Jacob Lindenberg, 1702) with silver fittings (by Johannes Keeman Sr., 1792) and a silver commemorative medal (1630) celebrating the centenary of the Augsburg Confession are also part of the chapel's treasures.

The Organ

The Trinitatiskapel's first organ was built by Vitus Wiegleb of Amsterdam and completed by organ maker Smits in 1733. However, a new organ was constructed in 1777 by A. Wolffers of Rotterdam, incorporating parts of the original instrument. The organ has undergone numerous restorations, with the most recent in 2018/2019, ensuring its continued use for worship and concerts.

Interesting Facts

To address financial shortfalls, a fine was imposed on those who failed to attend church services. The fine was 1½ stuivers for residents and 3 stuivers for temporary visitors, with latecomers fined half the amount if the preacher was already in the pulpit. By 1709, the church had cleared its debts, and the fines were abolished.

Vincent van Gogh, during his time in Dordrecht, visited the Lutheran church where Johannes Wilhelmus Beversen was the pastor. The Sunday of the Holy Trinity, also known as Trinity Sunday, marks the end of the church's festival period, which begins with Christmas.

The Trinitatiskapel stands as a testament to the enduring faith and resilience of the Lutheran community in Dordrecht. Its rich history, architectural beauty, and cultural significance make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring this charming Dutch city.