Nieuwe Kerk

In the heart of Emden, located in the picturesque region of Niedersachsen, Germany, stands the magnificent Nieuwe Kerk, known locally as Neue Kirche. This historic Protestant Reformed church is a testament to resilience and architectural beauty, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Emden's past and its enduring spirit.

The History of Nieuwe Kerk

The story of Nieuwe Kerk begins in the mid-17th century, a time when Emden was flourishing with a population of around 20,000 inhabitants, including a significant number of Dutch refugees. The existing churches were no longer sufficient to accommodate the growing congregation, prompting the city's magistrate and church council to commission the construction of a new church in the Faldern district, which had become a part of Emden in 1570. The project was entrusted to Martin Faber, a master builder from Emden who had honed his skills in Italy, France, and the Netherlands.

Construction of the Nieuwe Kerk commenced in 1643, amidst the turmoil of the Thirty Years' War, and was completed in 1648. Remarkably, the church was funded entirely through donations, reflecting the community's dedication and faith. Initially, the church lacked seating, and worshippers stood during services. It wasn't until 1818 that the first organ and permanent pews were installed.

The Nieuwe Kerk faced its darkest hour on September 6, 1944, during the heaviest bombing raid on Emden in World War II. The church was reduced to ruins, with only the outer walls left standing. However, the resilient spirit of the Emden community prevailed, and between 1947 and 1950, the church was rebuilt with a modified interior. The reconstruction included the addition of a meeting room, known as the Consistorienkammer, and a flat ceiling that altered the natural light within the church.

In 1998, the 350th anniversary of the church's construction was celebrated, and a building association was founded with the goal of restoring the church to its original form. Renovations began in June 2012 and were completed in September 2013, culminating in a grand reopening ceremony. The restoration efforts included the removal of the galleries to reveal the double columns, the installation of modern climate control and heating systems, and the addition of new seating to accommodate 570 people.

The Exterior of Nieuwe Kerk

The Nieuwe Kerk is a stunning example of early Baroque architecture with Dutch influences. The red brick structure is adorned with light-colored stone accents, creating a striking visual contrast. The church's design is based on the Greek cross, with three equal-length arms and a shorter southern arm, which was a deliberate choice to align the building parallel to Brückstraße and to reflect Calvinist principles.

The exterior walls are punctuated by round-arched windows and decorative sandstone bands, while the gables feature circular windows set within large round niches. The entrances, located in the northwest and northeast corners, are grand and inviting, with round-arched porticoes flanked by pilasters. The northwest entrance is particularly notable for its intricate tympanum, which features the coat of arms of Emden—a crowned and winged harpy with breasts, known as Engelke up de Mür, set against a backdrop of city walls and waves.

At the intersection of the cross arms rises a hexagonal roof turret with an open lantern and a replica of the Habsburg imperial crown, symbolizing Emden's historical claim to autonomy. The weathervane atop the crown, shaped like a rooster, signifies the church's Reformed heritage. The turret houses two bells: a small bronze clock bell and a larger bell cast in 1724 by Jan Albert de Grave in Amsterdam.

The Interior of Nieuwe Kerk

Stepping inside the Nieuwe Kerk, visitors are greeted by a spacious and light-filled interior. The central square space, formed by Doric double columns and half-columns at the walls, creates a sense of grandeur and openness. Originally, the ceiling was a ribbed vault of intersecting wooden barrel vaults, but the post-war reconstruction introduced a flat ceiling that significantly altered the light dynamics within the church.

The pulpit and communion table are centrally located against the south wall, reflecting the church's function as a preaching hall. The seating is arranged to ensure an unobstructed view of the pulpit from all angles, emphasizing the importance of the sermon in Reformed worship. Notably, there is no altar, as the Reformed tradition does not include the concept of a sacrificial altar.

Notable Features and Artifacts

While much of the original furnishings were lost during the war, the Nieuwe Kerk still houses several significant artifacts. The baptismal font, dating from the late 13th century, was originally from the church in Jennelt and was transferred to the Nieuwe Kerk after its reconstruction. This sandstone font is adorned with simple leaf motifs and supported by lion figures, symbolizing Christ's strength and protection.

The central chandelier, gifted by the Cooper's Guild in 1648, is another highlight. This brass chandelier, known as the Cooper's Crown, features the guild's emblem—a hand holding a cooper's hammer—and commemorative plaques from its donors and subsequent renovations.

The church's first organ, built by Johannes Wilhelmus Timpe in 1818, was heavily damaged during the war. Although the original organ is no longer playable, the church continues to host musical performances and services, maintaining its role as a vibrant center of community life.

In conclusion, the Nieuwe Kerk in Emden is not just a place of worship but a symbol of resilience and community spirit. Its storied past, architectural beauty, and ongoing role as a cultural hub make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the rich history of Emden and the broader region of Niedersachsen.