Grote Kerk, Reformed church building in Hilversum, Netherlands.
Grote Kerk is a Reformed church building in Hilversum with a rectangular floor plan, red brick walls, and black roof tiles. A southeastern tower displays Gothic-inspired details, while the exterior features elaborate buttresses and decorative stonework along with stained glass windows that have purple and yellow borders.
The church was built between 1890 and 1891 in Neo-Renaissance style as Hilversum was expanding during that industrial period. A fire occurred in 1971, but the original brick walls survived and the building continues to stand.
The church has served as a community gathering place for generations and houses a Wilhelm Rütter pipe organ from Kevelaar that shapes the sound of worship services. Inside, visitors can see a historical pulpit from 1644 built from old gravestones.
The church is centrally located between Kerkbrink and Oude Torenstraat and is easy to reach on foot. Visitors should check current opening times and service schedules in advance, as the building is used for both worship and community events.
The pulpit inside was assembled from old gravestones, creating a remarkable example of material reuse in religious spaces. This unusual feature reflects the practical and respectful craftsmanship of the period when it was created.
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