Consider this: Sint-Pieterskerk overlooks the Woluwe valley. It stands surrounded by a walled cemetery. That cemetery dates back to at least the 12th century.
Welcome. We’re about to delve into the story of Sint-Pieterskerk. This church isn’t just a building. It’s a landmark that has watched centuries unfold. The Sint-Pieterskerk has evolved with the community. Its history is interwoven with the very fabric of this place.
First mentioned in 1173 Sint-Pieterskerk was gifted to the Abbey of Vorst. The bishop of Cambrai made this official donation. It gained Saint Peter as its patron saint. Medieval tradition held Saint Peter as the protector of animals. Brussels’ four churches bordering livestock markets were dedicated to him. These were in Ukkel Anderlecht Jette and Woluwe. The parish of Sint-Pieterskerk is the oldest. It lends its name to the municipality.
Around 1570 religious wars brought destruction. A fire ravaged the rectory next to Sint-Pieterskerk. It wasn’t rebuilt. The parish fell into decline. The pastor of Sint-Lambertus parish served Sint-Pieterskerk. He held both positions. He kept the parish registers for both communities for some time. But in 1721 the Archbishop of Mechelen decided to appoint a new pastor. This was in consultation with the Abbess of Vorst. Sint-Pieterskerk was restored.
By 1755 the church was too dilapidated. Restoration was impossible. The Abbess of Vorst decided on a complete rebuild. Only the stone foundations remained. These were reused for the new church. Red bricks came from Sint-Pieters-Woluwe specifically the Stokkel plateau. The old choir and north tower were incorporated. You can still see “Anno 1755” on the oak entrance door of this tower. It’s also on a stone above the choir base.
Cardinal Jean-Henri de Frankenberg consecrated the rebuilt church in 1778. At that time the Chapel of Lenneke Mare and the Visitation Chapel in Stokkel also fell under his authority. A new rectory completed in 1784 still stands almost unchanged.
By the 20th century the population grew. The church held only 300 parishioners. The community numbered over 4000. The church was also in poor condition. In 1924 the churchwardens informed the local council. Expansion and restoration became necessary. The council approved it in 1929. Architect Julien de Ridder drew up initial plans in 1930. Numerous expropriations occurred between 1931 and 1933. The old parish cemetery was demolished. Remains were moved to the new cemetery in Stokkel. Services continued in the old church during construction.
Julien De Ridder’s plans preserved the old choir and tower. He built a new nave on the site of the old one. The choir and tower became supports for the new facade. The new church was designed on an axis perpendicular to the existing building. A new tower and choir completed the ensemble. The floor level was lowered fifty centimeters.
The assistant bishop of Mechelen laid the first stone in 1935. Work progressed. The walls of the old nave within the new building were demolished in 1936. The new Sint-Pieterskerk architecture blends conservatism and modernity. Monumental proportions contrast with the old building’s modest dimensions. Its northwest orientation reflects architectural adaptation to a limited site.
In 1937 industrialist Jules Waucquez funded the church’s completion. He stipulated that architect Léonard Homez oversee the remaining work. Homez installed the flooring doors stained glass and furniture. Contractor Scheerlinck landscaped the surroundings. He also built the monumental staircase in 1938.
Entrance to Sint-Pieterskerk is through the portico above the main staircase. The church has a basilica plan with a large nave. The first section stands at the old nave’s location. It is flanked by the old choir now a side chapel and the old tower. The new semicircular choir is flanked by chapels. A building extends southwest and the sacristy northeast. The new tower has five levels. It features a Gobertange stone clock face with metal Roman numerals. A bas-relief by Oscar De Clerck adorns the tower’s lower level. It depicts Saint Peter hauling in his fishing nets.
The tower choir and remaining parts of the old church have protected heritage status since 2004. This was granted by the Brussels Capital Region.
Sint-Pieterskerk stands as a testament to time faith and community. It embodies architectural evolution and enduring spirit. As you leave consider its layers of history. Think about the generations who have sought solace within its walls.