Was it faith that moved mountains or bricks that built the Heilig Hartkerk? The Heilig Hartkerk stands as a testament to faith. It is a physical manifestation of devotion in the heart of Brussels.
Let’s delve into the story of this remarkable church. Its history is intertwined with the urban development of Brussels. In 1875, plans emerged for a new district east of the city center. Gédéon Bordiau designed this new quarter. By 1895, the district was nearly complete. This spurred the creation of a new parish in 1896. It was dedicated to the Sacred Heart.
The first Heilig Hartkerk was at Notelaarstraat 20. It served as a temporary place of worship. The church was used until 1909. A grand Heilig Hartkerk was planned for Margarethaplantsoen. However, the Nationale Basiliek van het Heilig Hart was built in Koekelberg instead. Its first stone was laid in 1905. The inauguration took place in 1951.
A new Heilig Hartkerk was built in the district between 1907 and 1909. Victor Janssen from Sint-Joost-ten-Node designed it. This church remained in use until 1956.
In 1938, gardens on Michelangelolaan were purchased. The aim was to build a definitive Heilig Hartkerk. World War II delayed the construction. Jo De Bouver designed the current church. Construction began in 1954. The church was consecrated in 1956.
The Heilig Hartkerk is a monumental brick building. Its entrance features natural stone and art deco elements. The inscription reads “domus dei domus orationis.” It means “house of God, house of prayer.” The church has a square brick bell tower.
Another church stands to the right. It features a neoclassical style with natural stone. Above the arched entrance is the text “venez a moi vous qui souffrez, je vous soulagerai.” This translates to “come to me all who suffer, and I will give you rest.”
The Heilig-Hartkerk’s origins trace back to a royal decree in 1896. Gédéon Bordiau’s urban plan was approved in 1875. He envisioned a district with gardens as its backbone. The need for a new parish arose as the district grew. The Margarethaplantsoen was initially planned for a monumental church. This church was dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It was eventually built on the Koekelberg-Ganshoren plateau.
The first temporary Heilig-Hartkerk was built on Notelaarstraat 20. E.H. Félix-Joseph Buelens founded the parish. He served as the first pastor from 1895 to 1921. The second temporary Heilig-Hartkerk was built on Corregiostraat. Architect Victor Janssen designed it. Mgr. L.J. Legraive consecrated this church in 1909. It remained in use until 1956.
Pastoor Amand Osselaar bought gardens on Michelangelolaan in 1938. This was for the definitive Heilig-Hartkerk. World War II hindered progress. Jo De Bouver designed the current church. Mgr. Leo-Jozef Suenens consecrated it in 1956.
The Heilig-Hartkerk’s organ was installed in 1957. It originally served in the chapel of the “Zusters van de Eeuwigdurende aanbidding.” Pastoor Pierre Meert saved the organ from demolition. Jean-Pierre Draps restored it.
So here stands the Heilig Hartkerk a beacon of faith. It is a testament to architectural evolution. It is a story etched in brick and stone.