Consider the story of the Vincentiuskerk a tale of faith. It is also about architectural ambition and eventual disappearance. This is the story of the Vincentiuskerk.
The Vincentiuskerk was named after Saint Vincentius a Paulo. It once stood proudly in Amsterdam Oud-West. Its story began in July 1899. The parish acquired land for a church and school. The plot measured 50 by 40 meters.
Architect Christianus Petrus Wilhelmus Dessing designed the church. Dessing was a student of Pierre Cuypers. He envisioned a neo-Gothic church for this new residential area. In April 1900, the tender took place in a café. The café was located on the Overtoom. A contractor agreed to build the complex for 181000 guilders. The Vincentiuskerk was built on the south bank. It was on the south bank of the Jacob van Lennep Canal. The church was consecrated on October 7, 1901.
Imagine the Vincentiuskerk in its prime. It was a large three-aisled basilica. A tall tower stood to the right of the facade. The tower had an octagonal upper structure. It also featured corner pinnacles and a spire. This tower reached 67 meters. It was the tallest tower in Roman Catholic Amsterdam. The surrounding houses had no more than four floors.
The Vincentiuskerk faced decline in the 20th century. The parish merged with other communities. These communities were from De Liefde and the Vondelkerk. Dessing’s teacher, Pierre Cuypers, designed these churches. In the spring of 1989, the Vincentiuskerk closed. It was demolished in the summer of that year.
A residential complex now stands on the site. A new church for the community is on the ground floor. Today, you’ll find the Vincentiuskerk at Jacob van Lennepkade 211. It is on the ground floor of an apartment building. This building stands on the corner of Staringstraat.
The Vincentiuskerk is open at various times during the week. On Sunday mornings, a service is held at 11:00 AM. Coffee follows the service.