Gertrudiskerk

The Gertrudiskerk is a church in the center of the Dutch city of Bergen op Zoom.

History

The oldest part of the church is the body of the church tower ( popularly called ' De Peperbus '), which is dated to 1370 and some probably already belonged to the predecessor of the present church. In the 15th century an ambulatory with radiating chapels was built in the style of Brabant Gothic style. As part of the Reformation turmoil, the church was plundered in 1580 and served temporarily for military purposes. In 1586 it was taken for the Reformed worship in use. Parts of the church were demolished in the 17th century, then used the stone material for the fortress. 1747, the church was severely damaged by fire and rebuilt in French simpler forms again in 1750. 1966 transferred the Reformed congregation, the Church, as she could not bear the renovation costs to the local community. In 1972, a lightning strike to fire the church. In the 1980s, the building was renovated.

The Gertrudiskerk now serves both Catholics and Protestants for their services.

Equipment

The organ was built by the organ builders brothers Ibach (Wuppertal) built in 1864 with 41 stops on three manuals and pedal, the magnificent organ case was designed by the architect EAJ Been designed Cels (Brussels). 1914-1915 the organ by the organ builder Vermeulen ( Weert ) was reduced to 25 stops on two manuals and pedal. Middle of the 20th century, the disposition in accordance with the former ( neo-baroque ) sound ideals has been adjusted. Has been since 1997 and the instrument is restored step by step, and returned to its original state. Has the slider chests instrument today register 42 ( 2417 pipes ) on three manuals and pedal. The play and Registertrakturen are mechanical.

• Couplers: II / I, III / II, I / P