Church of England

Journey back to 1585. Picture the arrival of a chaplain in The Hague. This marked the beginning of the Church of England’s presence in the Netherlands. This eventually led to the establishment of Christ Church Amsterdam. Christ Church Amsterdam stands as a testament to this rich history. It’s a vibrant part of the Diocese in Europe, specifically the Deanery of the Netherlands. The church has witnessed over 400 years of Amsterdam’s transformation. It’s located in the heart of the city. It serves a diverse community. This includes long-term residents, expats, students, and visitors. Christ Church Amsterdam’s story began over four centuries ago after the Union of Utrecht in 1579. This declaration of religious freedom paved the way for the church’s foundation in the city. In 1698, during the reign of William III, the English Episcopal Church of Amsterdam, now Christ Church Amsterdam, was formally established. The first services were held in a humble upstairs room. They later moved to the Agnietenkapel. The congregation eventually found a home in a building over a ditch. In 1771, they relocated to the Drapers’ Guild. This year marks the 250th anniversary of the church at this location. The city council granted them use of the former cloth hall. This was once the home of renowned Dutch architect Hendrick de Keyser. The Guild room housed group portraits, including one by Rembrandt van Rijn, “The Syndics of the Drapers’ Guild,” now displayed in the Rijksmuseum. After a period of closure during the Napoleonic Wars, the church reopened in 1817. It became associated with the “London Society for the Propagation of the Gospel among the Jews,” now known as “Christian Ministry among Jewish People.” Charles Simeon, sent by the society, stabilized the church. He initiated support for the local Jewish population. This led to the construction of the Episcopal Zion’s Chapel where Vincent van Gogh briefly taught Sunday school. The church building we see today took shape in 1827 with the addition of a neo-Gothic façade. The church survived the Second World War, despite another closure. In 1970, the building at Groenburgwal 42 became a national monument. To meet the needs of a growing and diverse congregation, Christ Church Amsterdam planted two new congregations. Christ Church South was established in 2006, catering to international families. Christ Church Amsterdam South East (Congregation of the Holy Spirit) followed in 2011, serving African nationals with Anglican heritage. Christ Church Amsterdam continues to adapt. Its digital presence expanded in 2020 with online services and an app. Today, Christ Church Amsterdam operates from three locations and online. It actively engages in community outreach, upholding its motto: “In the City, for the City.”