Did you know that the Woudse Dom isn’t actually a cathedral? Its name is misleading. Yet, its striking resemblance to the Dom Church in Utrecht earned it the nickname.
The Woudse Dom stands before us a testament to time and resilience. This church in Rijnsaterwoude boasts a rich history. It is one of the oldest churches in the region.
Let’s step back to the 11th century. A chapel was first mentioned here in Rijnsaterwoude. By 1156 a church stood. It was dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. The church belonged to the parish of Oegstgeest. It held a regional function.
Now picture a fierce storm in 1552. It caused immense damage. The tower collapsed onto the church’s ship. Only the choir built around 1500 remained intact. Reconstruction began swiftly. By 1554 the current tower was complete.
Look closely at the tower’s sound openings. Notice the pointed arches on four sides. These date back to 1554. Later restorations replaced other arches with rounded ones. The rebuilt ship was narrower and lower than before.
In 1573 Pastor J. Snoeckaart led half his parishioners to the Reformation. The church was adapted for Protestant worship. Religious images vanished some say they were thrown into the Braassemermeer.
By the mid-18th century the Woudse Dom needed renovation. The interior was updated. The ship was rebuilt to match the choir’s original height.
In 1798 the local government seized the church. But the Reformed community purchased it back. They had to compensate other religious groups in Rijnsaterwoude.
The church tower was repaired in 1908. An unhistorical facade of machine-made bricks was added. Restorations in 1956-58 removed these additions. The original tower tracery and pointed arches were revealed again. Further restorations occurred in 1988 and 2018.
Inside the Woudse Dom observe the dividing wall between the church and choir. It was erected after 1573. A 17th-century pulpit stands in the center. In the choir a sanctuary once held communion wine. The choir’s wooden vault rests on decorated ribs. Notice the imprint of the former roof from 1554. It shows the ship’s earlier dimensions.
Also see the carvings on either side of the tower. The supporting beams under the organ feature angel heads. Three 18th-century copper chandeliers complete the interior.
The tower houses a bell made by Cyprianus Crans. The main organ was built in 1967. It was originally for a church in The Hague. It was moved to Rijnsaterwoude in 1997.
Since 2001 a statue has stood before the Woudse Dom. It honors priest Hendrik. He was a pioneer in land reclamation. An identical statue stands in Germany.
Today the Woudse Dom is a national monument. The Protestant Community of Rijnsaterwoude still holds services here. This unique building is also available for weddings and concerts. The Woudse Dom connects us to centuries of history faith and community.