The H. Franciscus van Assisikerk, also known as De Boomkerk, is a Catholic church located in the Amsterdam-West neighborhood of Amsterdam, Netherlands. The church was built between 1929 and 1930, designed by architect J. Stuyt in the traditionalist style of the Amsterdam School.
The exterior of the church is characterized by its brick walls and bell tower, which is topped by a copper dome. The interior features a spacious nave with a barrel-vaulted ceiling and stained-glass windows depicting scenes from the life of Saint Francis of Assisi. The church also contains a large pipe organ, built by the Dutch firm Flentrop in 1956.
De Boomkerk is still an active parish church, with regular masses and other religious services held throughout the week. It is also a popular venue for concerts and cultural events, due to its excellent acoustics and atmospheric surroundings.
Overall, the H. Franciscus van Assisikerk is a significant cultural and religious landmark in Amsterdam, attracting both locals and visitors alike. It is one of the best churches in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
History
The history of H. Franciscus van Assisikerk, also known as De Boomkerk, dates back to the early 20th century when the Catholic church in the Amsterdam-West neighborhood was rapidly expanding. In 1928, the parish of St. John the Baptist decided to establish a new parish in the area to serve the growing Catholic population.
The architect J. Stuyt was commissioned to design the new church, and construction began in 1929. The church was completed in 1930 and was consecrated by Bishop Johannes Huibers.
During World War II, the church was used as a shelter for Jewish children and a hiding place for resistance fighters. The priest at the time, Father Henri de Greeve, played a significant role in the Dutch resistance movement and helped many Jewish people escape the Nazis.
In 1956, this oldest church in Amsterdam was renovated and expanded, with the addition of a new sacristy and a choir loft. The pipe organ, built by the Dutch firm Flentrop, was also installed during this time.
Today, H. Franciscus van Assisikerk continues to serve as an active parish church and a significant cultural landmark in Amsterdam. It has undergone several renovations over the years to maintain its structural integrity and preserve its historic features.
Services
H. Franciscus van Assisikerk (De Boomkerk) in Amsterdam is an active Catholic parish church that offers regular religious services throughout the week. Some of the services that are typically held at the church include:
Sunday Mass: The church holds Sunday Mass in Dutch at 10:30 am and in English at 12:30 pm. There is also a Sunday Mass in Spanish at 6:00 pm.
Weekday Mass: Daily Mass is held from Monday to Friday at 9:00 am.
Confession: The church offers the sacrament of confession on Saturdays from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. It is an English church in Amsterdam where you can visit and offer your prayers.
Adoration: Eucharistic adoration is held every Thursday from 9:30 am to 10:00 am, and every first Friday of the month from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
In addition to these religious services, H. Franciscus van Assisikerk also hosts various cultural events, including concerts, art exhibitions, and lectures. This English-speaking church in Amsterdam has excellent acoustics and atmospheric surroundings making it a popular venue for cultural events in Amsterdam.
Architectural Significance
H. Franciscus van Assisikerk, also known as De Boomkerk, is a significant example of traditionalist architecture in Amsterdam. It was designed by architect J. Stuyt, who was a prominent architect of the Amsterdam School.
The church's architectural style is characterized by its use of brickwork, traditional materials, and references to the Dutch Gothic style. It also features a prominent bell tower topped with a copper dome, which serves as a local landmark in the neighborhood.
Inside, this beautiful church in Amsterdam has a spacious nave adorned with a barrel-vaulted ceiling and stained-glass windows depicting scenes from the life of Saint Francis of Assisi. The use of natural light and the open space of the nave create a serene and peaceful atmosphere, inviting visitors to reflect and contemplate.
One of the most striking features of the church is its excellent acoustics, which make it a popular venue for concerts and cultural events. This Amsterdam church's pipe organ, built by the Dutch firm Flentrop, is considered one of the finest in the city and adds to the church's reputation as a cultural landmark.
Facts
The H. Franciscus van Assisikerk, also known as De Boomkerk, is a Roman Catholic church located in the Amsterdam-West district of Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Here are some facts about the church:
The church was built between 1925 and 1926, in the Amsterdamse School architectural style.
The church is named after St. Francis of Assisi, who is the patron saint of animals and the environment.
The church's name "De Boomkerk" translates to "The Tree Church" in English, which is derived from the church's unique shape that resembles a tree.
The church was designed by Dutch architect Jan Stuyt, who was also responsible for the design of several other churches in the Netherlands.
The church is made of brick and has a tower that is 45 meters (148 feet) tall.
The interior of the church features stained glass windows, sculptures, and paintings that depict various religious scenes.
The church has undergone several renovations and restorations over the years, including repairs following damage sustained during World War II.
In addition to its regular religious services, the church also hosts concerts and other cultural events.
The church is a popular landmark in the Amsterdam-West area and is often included in guided tours of the city.
The church in the Netherlands is still an active place of worship and is open to visitors during select hours throughout the week.