Ponder this: What if a church could be both modern and deeply rooted in tradition? That’s the Goede Herderkerk. The Goede Herderkerk stands as a testament to Amsterdam’s evolving religious landscape. It is located on Van Boshuizenstraat 422.
The Goede Herderkerk’s story began in 1961 with the founding of a new Roman Catholic parish in Buitenveldert. By October 26 1968 the church was consecrated. A.F. Brenninkmeyer designed it. The Goede Herderkerk is an important modern church. It features a small tower.
Stepping inside the Goede Herderkerk is like entering a space filled with warmth and atmosphere. This is thanks to the colorful modern stained-glass windows. The windows bathe the interior in a beautiful light. The Goede Herderkerk is simple. It is designed in the shape of a tent. This design is symbolic.
The stained-glass windows of the Goede Herderkerk tell their own stories. Jaap Min designed the glass behind the altar in 1968. He collaborated with the Bogtman NV atelier. The window is abstract. It features clear bright colors. Many white sections keep it light and transparent. Straight and curved lines suggest a flying dove. This symbolizes the Holy Spirit. The window set the tone for all the other windows. They all represent the theme of creation.
Jaap Min also designed the four tympani. Annet Min his daughter created a new design based on his color copies 32 years later. This new design sits above the existing window. It represents the Father and the Son. The three in one gives a new dimension to the Holy Spirit above the waters.
When you enter the Goede Herderkerk look to the north window. You will see Michael in brown and red tones. He is lying down with his feet toward the choir. He is depicted frontally up to his waist. His hands rest on the lower frames. Michael means “Who is like God”. He is the defender. He spreads his wings over the world to restore balance. A sword symbolizes him. It is placed vertically over his left shoulder.
To the right you will see the angel Raphael. The colors are mainly blues. These colors work well in a south-facing window. He is also lying down with his feet to the west. Like Michael he is frontally oriented up to his waist. His hands rest on the frames. Angel means messenger. Raphael means “God heals”. Raphael stands for mercy.
The closing window represents Heaven and Earth. It is an apotheosis of all the colors. It is a conclusion to the other windows in the Goede Herderkerk. Diagonal lines cross the sky. The open white space encompasses all life between heaven and earth.
The Goede Herderkerk also houses an organ dating back to 1867. Flaes & Brünjes built it in Amsterdam. It originally served in the Kleine Kerk in Gouda. In 1968 J Vermeulen bought the organ for the Goede Herderkerk. Albert de Klerk called it a nice two manual organ with pedals. The Goede Herder parish received a fine organ. They will hopefully have much joy with it.
In 2022 the Protestant Pilgrim Church found temporary shelter in the Goede Herderkerk. This was due to the planned demolition of their own church. The Goede Herderkerk faced the threat of closure in 2023. But it seems the church will remain open for now.
The Goede Herderkerk is more than just a building. It is a living vibrant space. It embodies community spirit. It reflects the changing face of faith in Amsterdam. The Goede Herderkerk welcomes all.