Perhaps it’s the convergence of faiths that makes De Drie Stromen so special. This church in Amsterdam Zuidoost stands as a testament to unity. It welcomes different denominations under one roof.
De Drie Stromen means “The Three Streams”. Its name symbolizes the three rivers Drecht, Gaasp and Gein. It also represents the three original participating denominations. These were Catholic, Hervormd and Gereformeerd.
Let’s step back to the early 1980s. The Gaasperdam neighborhood was developing. Unlike the Bijlmer, it attracted mostly native Dutch residents. They needed a local church. Services were initially held in schools.
In 1982, construction began on De Drie Stromen. Architect Steen from Leeuwarden designed the building. The cost was 1.64 million guilders. The different denominations shared the cost. Mgr. Th. Zwartkruis of Haarlem consecrated the church in 1983.
Notice the tower. It makes De Drie Stromen easily recognizable in Holendrecht. This is a newer part of Amsterdam Zuidoost. The AMC hospital opened here around the same time.
Originally, De Drie Stromen served as the R.K. Church for the parish “De Graankorrel”. From the start, it also had an ecumenical purpose. For many years, Seventh-Day Adventists held services here on Saturdays.
Inside De Drie Stromen, the church space is slightly below ground level. A gentle ramp provides access for people with disabilities. A space at street level overlooks the altar. It can be separated with a screen. At the back, there is a small chapel for prayer and lighting candles. There is also a meeting room with a coffee bar.
Interestingly, the room originally intended for pastors now houses the Parish Secretariat of De Graankorrel.
Before De Drie Stromen was built, the Kerkelijk Centrum “De Nieuwe Stad” served the community. It was located in the Gliphoeve/Ganzenhoef parking garage. It was used by Dutch Reformed, Reformed, and Roman Catholic congregations. This earlier “De Nieuwe Stad” was demolished in 1993.
In 1993, a new church complex named “De Nieuwe Stad” opened. It had two church halls. The R.K. Parish De Graankorrel used it as a second location. However, since 2020, De Graankorrel uses only De Drie Stromen. The last R.K. service in “De Nieuwe Stad” was in December 2019.
Today, De Drie Stromen continues as a place of worship. The RK Church, the Pentecostal Church, and the Protestant Community all gather here. The church also provides various services to the community. These include a children’s service and musical ensembles.
Consider the journey of De Drie Stromen. It started as a shared vision. It evolved into a symbol of cooperation. It remains a vital part of Amsterdam Zuidoost. It stands as a testament to faith. It shows how different communities can come together. De Drie Stromen offers a welcoming space for all.