Consider this: a church transformed. The Sint-Antoniuskerk in Vorst is more than just a religious building. It is a testament to changing times and resourceful adaptation.
The Sint-Antoniuskerk stands as a beacon in the Brussels municipality of Vorst. Its story began with the urbanization of Brussels. In 1897, the Sint-Antonius-van-Paduaparochie was established. This was influenced by an existing Antonius chapel near the Dudenpark. A yearly procession had formed there to bless livestock.
The municipality of Vorst supported the church’s construction. They envisioned it as the heart of a new district. Land surveyor Philippe Cattoir designed the square and surrounding streets in 1899. Engineer Henry Vaes and architect Paul Saintenoy were entrusted with the design in 1902. They planned a neogothic structure. Construction began in 1907.
However, the original plans were not fully realized. Due to financial constraints, only the choir and four bays of the nave were completed. A temporary west facade was erected facing Sint-Antoniusvoorplein. This incomplete state persisted for decades.
A new phase of construction began in 1949 and lasted until 1953. Funding came from Cinzano, a nearby beverage producer. Instead of extending the existing church, architect De Bauwer added a lower structure. This addition was built perpendicular to the nave. It featured a pointed gable marking the main entrance.
The Sint-Antoniuskerk building has a relatively long entrance portal. It features a three-aisled nave with four bays. These are in a basilica style. There is a transept and a straight closed choir. The vaults are made of red brick.
Interestingly, the northwestern section has large cellars. These were once used by Cinzano for storage.
In 2022, a portion of the Sint-Antoniuskerk was designated for desacralization. It was to be transformed into a climbing zone. The high nave offered space for climbing walls. There is a 4.5-meter bouldering wall. There is also a 15-meter high climbing wall and a 20-meter lead wall. The choir area remains dedicated to religious services.
The Sint-Antoniuskerk in Vorst embodies adaptability. It serves as a place of worship and a space for recreation. It’s a unique blend of history and modernity. The Sint-Antoniuskerk stands as a testament to community and change.