Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk (Rotterdam)

The Grote or Laurenskerk is the only medieval remains of the Dutch city of Rotterdam.

History

The Laurenskerk was built between 1449 to 1525. 1572 the Reformation was introduced in the church and she has since Evangelical Protestant parish church. In 1621 the church tower was a wooden helmet, which had to be canceled but already in 1645 again due to poor quality of the material. During World War II, the church was severely damaged during the bombing by the German Luftwaffe on 14 May 1940. The reconstruction took place in the years 1952 to 1968.

The Lauren church is connected with many large churches in the world as part of the Cross of Nails Community ( Community of the Cross of Nails ). Every Friday is prayed in these churches at the same time, the prayer for peace. Besides concerts and symposia will be held in the church regularly.

Organ

The Laurenskerk has four organs: the main organ, Transeptorgel, choir organ and positive.

With 85 stops on four manuals and pedal, the main organ is the largest organ of the Netherlands. It was completed in 1973 by the Danish organ builder Marcussen & Son, which also built the other three organs. The architect J.W.C. Besemer designed the housing, which is based on older models. The instrument has a purely mechanical play and stop action, making it the largest organ in Europe in this construction. By means of a pneumatic Barker machine a smooth game is guaranteed. The sound of the organ allows playback of various styles: the work principle reflects the classic organ building of the Baroque period, the upper work is marked symphonic and romantic, the Chamadewerk based on typical Spanish registers. Overall, the organ has 7,486 pipes, is 10.5 m wide and 18.1 m high. 2013 the instrument was released as a virtual version for organ simulation software major work (software).

• Couplers: Pedal / main work, pedal / rear drive, pedal / Oberwerk, Great / rear drive, Great / Brustwerk, Great / Oberwerk.