Did you know the Boomkerk in Amsterdam has a fascinating history stretching back centuries? It’s more than just a beautiful church. It’s a living testament to Amsterdam’s growth and the enduring spirit of its Catholic community.
The Boomkerk’s story begins not here but in the city center. In 1628 a small hidden church ‘t Boompje was established. This was during a time when Catholicism was forbidden in Amsterdam. Imagine the secrecy the Franciscan friars needed to maintain.
‘t Boompje was cleverly concealed in a former brewery. Its name meaning ‘the little tree’ hinted at the humble beginnings of this clandestine place of worship. The church was expanded and renovated several times. In 1730 it received new facades with three warehouse-like fronts. Two stones marking the 1730 renovation are now in the Boomkerk’s outer wall.
As Amsterdam expanded outward new neighborhoods developed. The old city center emptied. Attendance at ‘t Boompje dwindled. The old building began to deteriorate. So in 1910 a deal was struck to sell the property. A new church was planned for the then-rural Sloterdijk area. This was eventually annexed by Amsterdam in 1921.
The new Boomkerk was built in a predominantly Neoromanesque style. It stands today as a grand and imposing structure a beacon for the Catholic faithful in Amsterdam-West. At one point it was even nicknamed “Our Lord among the Cows” due to its isolated location.
The Boomkerk’s transition wasn’t without its challenges. In the early years priests even had to patrol the grounds at night to ward off unwanted visitors. The location was so remote that the blue tram to Haarlem stopped right outside.
The Boomkerk boasts a magnificent organ. This instrument from 1774 by Johannes Petrus Hilgers was moved here from ‘t Boompje.
In 1944 during World War II the church organist played a patriotic song deemed provocative by the occupying Germans. This act led to the short imprisonment of the priest chaplain and the organist. The priest was eventually forced to leave the parish.
A memorial stone within the church walls honors Jan Verleun and Gerard Steen parishioners who were executed for their resistance activities during the war.
The Boomkerk’s story is one of resilience faith and adaptation. A journey from a hidden sanctuary to a cherished landmark it’s a place where history faith and community converge. It truly deserves a place in the heart of Amsterdam.