English Reformed Church, Amsterdam

Church Foundations Restoration Appeal - Fundraising Campaign - next: The English Church

introduction - the church - falling down - costs - phase 1 &amp 2 - the organisation - the plan

Introduction

The English Church at the Begijnhof is a unique and precious building whose future is threatened unless funds can be found to stop it falling down. The church stands in the Begijnhof in central Amsterdam, one of the most beautiful courtyards in Northern Europe. The Begijnhof is among the most important tourist sites in Amsterdam and is visited by many thousands of people every year.

The church is one of Amsterdam's oldest buildings, dating back to the late 14th century, and its tower is the oldest in the city still in its original form. The church houses the longest established English speaking congregation outside the UK, which has worshipped in the same church since 1607. It is also a famous centre for chamber music in The Netherlands with superb acoustics, thanks to the original wooden roof of the 15th century nave.
A professional survey has revealed that cracks in the walls [seen right and below], which began to appear last year, result from the crumbling of the foundations. Moreover, the interior of the building needs significant renovation. Without immediate action, the building will either fall down or, on a directive from the Building Safety Board, will have to be shored up, both inside and out, which would drastically limit its use. The building work, however, can only commence once it is clear that the funds are likely to be raised.
Total costs are around ?1.1 million. The National Fund for Monuments in the Netherlands (the 'Monumentenzorg') and the Municipality of Amsterdam (the 'Municipality') have indicated that they will provide grants of approximately ?0.6 million, so the fundraising appeal is for the balance of ?0.5 million. The church hopes to have pledges to cover this amount by 1st September 2004 so that building contracts can then be signed.

next: The English Church

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Related topics: Restoration Appeal News - building - history - contact - finance

14-02-2006

Introduction The English Church at the Begijnhof is a unique and precious building whose future is threatened unless funds can be found to stop it falling down. The church stands in the Begijnhof in central Amsterdam, one of the most beautiful courtyards in Northern Europe. The Begijnhof is among the most important tourist sites in Amsterdam and is visited by many thousands of people every year. The church is one of Amsterdam's oldest buildings, dating back to the late 14th century, and its tower is the oldest in the city still in its original form. The church houses the longest established English speaking congregation outside the UK, which has worshipped in the same church since 1607. It is also a famous centre for chamber music in The Netherlands with superb acoustics, thanks to the original wooden roof of the 15th century nave.
A professional survey has revealed that cracks in the walls [seen right and below], which began to appear last year, result from the crumbling of the foundations. Moreover, the interior of the building needs significant renovation. Without immediate action, the building will either fall down or, on a directive from the Building Safety Board, will have to be shored up, both inside and out, which would drastically limit its use. The building work, however, can only commence once it is clear that the funds are likely to be raised.
	Total costs are around ?1.1 million. The National Fund for Monuments in the Netherlands (the 'Monumentenzorg') and the Municipality of Amsterdam (the 'Municipality') have indicated that they will provide grants of approximately ?0.6 million, so the fundraising appeal is for the balance of ?0.5 million. The church hopes to have pledges to cover this amount by 1st September 2004 so that building contracts can then be signed. next: The English Church