Oude Jeroenskerk

In the heart of Noordwijk-Binnen, a charming village within the Dutch municipality of Noordwijk, stands the Oude Jeroenskerk, a Gothic cross-shaped church with a history as rich and intricate as its architecture. This historic church, named after the martyr Jeroen, who was beheaded by the Norsemen on August 17, 856, for refusing to renounce his faith, is a testament to the enduring spirit and faith of the local community. Today, the church serves as a place of worship for the Protestant Congregation of Noordwijk, but its story stretches back more than a millennium, steeped in legend, devotion, and resilience.

The Architectural Splendor of Oude Jeroenskerk

The Oude Jeroenskerk is a striking example of Gothic architecture, with its imposing tower and intricate details. The tower, which stands at a height of 40 meters, is adorned with Romanesque-Gothic elements and features a spiral staircase with 110 steps. The church's interior is equally impressive, housing a 15th-century stone baptismal font with four sculpted heads, and benches around the choir dating back to 1636. The mid-17th century pulpit, an extensive wall panel dated 1638, and text boards on the choir screen from 1650, featuring the Creed, the Ten Commandments, and the Lord's Prayer, further enhance the church's historical ambiance.

A Journey Through Time

The origins of the Oude Jeroenskerk can be traced back to a wooden church built on the site between the martyrdom of Jeroen in 856 and the church's donation to the Abbey of Egmond before 988. According to legend, Jeroen appeared multiple times to a farmer named Nothbodo, instructing him to exhume his remains and transfer them to the abbey. After initially refusing, Nothbodo experienced a series of miraculous events, including the recovery of his stolen horses and the discovery of Jeroen's burial site. These events led to the construction of the original wooden church.

In the early 12th century, a tuff stone church replaced the wooden structure, featuring a single nave and possibly a rectangular choir. By the early 13th century, a freestanding tower was added, initially 13 meters high, which was later extended to its current height of 40 meters after 1303. The 13th or early 14th century saw the nave clad in brick and extended to connect with the tower. This period also marked the discovery of a skull in the church, believed to be Jeroen's, which led to the church becoming a pilgrimage site in 1429.

Surviving Fire and War

The church has withstood numerous adversities, including a major fire in 1450, which spared the tower, making it the oldest monument in Noordwijk. The income from pilgrims allowed for the construction of the large cross-shaped church we see today. During the Spanish occupation, the church's destruction was averted through a ransom paid by the church administration. In 1573, the church transitioned from Catholic to Reformed, reflecting the shifting religious landscape of the time.

In 1798, the tower became municipal property by order of the French occupiers, who used church towers for communication purposes. Until 1860, when a house of detention was built in Noordwijk, the tower housed prisoners in its two cells. The tower also contains two large bells, the larger of which, weighing 820 kg, was cast by Petrus Hemony in 1677. The smaller bell, along with two others, dates from around 1952 and was made by the Eijsbouts bell foundry in Asten. The tower also holds a small bell from 1690 by Johannes Ouderogge, though it is not connected. In 2012, four new bells were added, also cast by Eijsbouts, and the 1912 clock was restored in 2011-2012.

A Living Monument

Today, the Oude Jeroenskerk and its tower are recognized as national monuments. The church is open to visitors every Saturday from June to September, offering a glimpse into its storied past. The tower, with its breathtaking views, is also open for climbing during these months. The church remains a focal point of the community, hosting annual events such as a silent procession in honor of Jeroen of Noordwijk on the Sunday closest to August 17, a tradition since 1997.

The Oude Jeroenskerk is more than just a historical building; it is a living testament to the enduring faith and resilience of the people of Noordwijk. Its walls echo the stories of centuries past, from miraculous legends to the trials of war and fire. A visit to this remarkable church is not just a journey through history but an immersion into the heart and soul of a community that has stood the test of time.