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Church of the Martyrs of Gorkum
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Church of the Martyrs of Gorkum, Stadhoudersplantsoen. Photo: Michiel1972 / CC

This church was relocated

The original Kerk van de Heilige Martelaren van Gorcum (Martyrs of Gorkum Church) was designed by architect Nicolaas Molenaar Sr. (1850-1930), who was well-known for such Neo-Gothic church buildings. It was built in 1925 and stood just south of the site of today’s Museon-Omniversum, until it was demolished in 1943.  

In the post-war reconstruction plans produced by city architect W.M. Dudok (1884-1974), the church was resurrected as a meeting place and, as a result of changes in the pre-war street plan, relocated here. The architect of the new church was Nicolaas Molenaar Jr. (1892-1973), son and disciple of the original architect.

The stained glass window is a souvenir of the original building. Opened in 1956, the church is one of the last surviving examples of the architect’s work. It is no longer in use as a church. 

Photographed

The old church, 1926
Martelaren van Gorcumkerk beining demolished, 1943
View from the old church to the location on which the new church would be located after the War, 1943. Photo: J. Ketting
Temporary buildings in the anti-tank ditch zone. Left: the temporary church building in 1949
Stadhoudersplantsoen with the new church, 1958
Church interior, c. 1960. Photo: E.M. van Ojen

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