Weteringkerk

In 1969, a new sanctuary rose on Veluwelaan. The Weteringkerk, a striking example of brutalist architecture, opened its doors. This wasn’t the first church to bear the name. The original Weteringkerk stood on Derde Weteringdwarsstraat. It began life as a theater around 1800. Later, it became a church for the Vrije Evangelische Gemeenten. This congregation originated from the Christelijke Gereformeerde Kerken. By the 1960s, the old Weteringkerk had deteriorated. It was demolished, making way for the new structure on Veluwelaan. The congregation temporarily used a makeshift building during construction. Architect Jelle Abma designed the new Weteringkerk. Its construction cost around 550,000 guilders, with an additional 100,000 guilders for the interior. The main hall seated 220 people. A removable partition allowed expansion to accommodate up to 400 worshippers. The glass block wall and bell tower are prominent features of the Weteringkerk. The Vrije Evangelische Gemeente Amsterdam, along with other Christian communities, used the Weteringkerk until the fall of 2019. Dwindling membership led to the congregation’s dissolution. Ownership transferred to the Stichting Weteringkerk Amsterdam. In 2020, renovations prepared the Weteringkerk for its current use. It now serves various Christian and social initiatives.