Here stands the Maarten Lutherkerk. This church carries stories within its walls. It is located in Amsterdam-Zuid in the Rivierenbuurt.
The Maarten Lutherkerk was designed in the style of the Amsterdam School. Architect F. Jantzen created this building for the Evangelisch-Lutherse church. The church’s construction became possible after the Ronde Lutherse Kerk closed in 1935. A building committee assigned the project to F.B. Jantzen in March 1936. They wanted a church with approximately 400 seats. The plans also included a caretaker’s house. A community center and a meeting hall were planned. The community center was projected beneath the church.
Construction began on January 25, 1937. L. Schutte laid the cornerstone of the tower on May 8. Schutte was the oldest pastor of the Evangelisch-Lutherse congregation in Amsterdam. The Maarten Lutherkerk was consecrated on December 23, 1937. J.P. van Heest led the ceremony.
The Maarten Lutherkerk has a unique interior. It is designed as a broad pseudobasilica. The main nave features narrow side aisles. These aisles function as passageways. The space includes five bays and an apse. The apse extends one bay. The roof rests on pillars and transverse walls. High arches are placed within these walls. This construction creates a series of yokes. These yokes form a single unit. They are connected by continuous profiled lintels. The yokes are whitewashed. The ceiling is covered with blue heraclith boards. These boards are secured with metal strips. A wainscot of Slavonian oak runs below the windows. The bases of the pillars are marbled black. The floor of the church hall is covered with parquet.
Light enters through two rows of four fixtures. These were part of the architect’s original design. The baptismal font is made of wood. It has a metal lid with an edge inscription. The wall behind the altar features a cross. It is made of Ettringer tuff stone. A platform stands before the wall. This platform holds the wooden altar. The apse features three narrow windows on each side. These windows contain stained glass. They depict the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion. Baptism is shown as a dove in a wave pattern. Holy Communion is represented by a chalice and paten.
The windows of the nave are filled with stained glass. The symbols of the four evangelists appear in the corners of the panes. These are the winged lion of Mark, the bull of Luke, the man of Matthew, and the eagle of John. One window depicts an angel announcing the resurrection. Another window displays the text “Het woord Gods blijft in eeuwigheid”. This translates to “The word of God remains forever”. It shows an open Bible with the letters A and Ω. A further window shows the text “Vaste Burcht”. This translates to “A Mighty Fortress”. It features a rock with waves and a rainbow.
In the northern facade, one window includes the text “Uit genade zalig door de Geest”. This translates to “Saved by grace through the Spirit”. It also shows images of an anchor and seraphim. Another window displays the text “Waar vergeving der zonden is, daar is ook Leven en zaligheid”. This translates to “Where there is forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation”. It includes a symbolic depiction of Faith.
The Maarten Lutherkerk also houses organs. H.W. Flentrop delivered a large organ in 1937. Flentrop added a Bourdon 16′ to the Hoofdwerk in 1943/1944. A smaller positive organ built by Flentrop is also present.
The Maarten Lutherkerk is a municipal monument since 2016. The Evangelisch Lutherse Gemeente Amsterdam decided to preserve this special place. The church now hosts various activities. It serves the community. It is a place for residents to meet. It is a space to be inspired.