Oude+Kerk


 * The Oude Kerk means "the old church." It is Amsterdam's oldest building and the oldest parish church. After the Reformation of 1578, the church became a Calvinist Church, which it still is to this day. At first the church was made out of wood, then with the renovations it was made into concrete.

The Oude Kerk was Roman Catholic before the Reformation of 1578. Following William the Silent's defeat of the Spanish in the Dutch Revolt, later after his defeat it was taken over by the Calvinist Dutch Reformed Church. Throughout the 16th century the church was looted and defaced numerous times. Locals would gather in the church to gossip, sell goods, and for shelter. The Calvinist did not tolerate this. In 1681 the choir was closed off by a screen of oak. On that screen it said “The prolonged misuse of God’s church, were here undone again in the year seventy-eight.”

The Oude Kerk covers an area of 36,000 ft (3,300 m squared). The foundation was set on an artificial mound. That land the church was set on was thought to be the most solid ground. Oude Kerk's roof is the largest medieval wooden vault in Europe. A vault is an architectural term for an arched form used to provide a space with a ceiling or roof. The church also contains twelve misericords, leaning posts installed underside folding seats. The floor consists entirely of gravestones.

The Oude Kerk is one of the oldest churches ever that is still standing. It was taken over by the Calvinists, which is an orthodox form of Protestantism. Calvinists believe deeply in scripture and believe people are predetermined for salvation. It is also an architectural masterpiece that undergoes constant changes. ||  The Oude Kerk which is the old church. It is Amsterdam's oldest building and the oldest parish church. After the Reformation of 1578 the church became a Calvinist church which it still is to this day. At first the church was made out of wood,then with the renovations it was made into concerate.

The Oude Kerk was roman catholic before the Reformation of 1578. Following William the Silent's defeat of the spanish in the Dutch Revolt, later after his defeat it was taken over by the Calvinist Dutch Reformed Church. Throughout the 16th century the church was looted and defaced numerous times. Locals would gather in the church to gossip, sell goods and for shelter. The Calvinist did not tolerate this. In 1681 the choir was closed off by a screen of oak. On that screen it said “//The prolonged misuse of God’s church, were here undone again in the year seventy-eight.”//

The Oude Kerk covers an area of 36,000 ft (3,300 m squared). The foundation was set on an artificial mound. That land the church was set on was thought to be the most solid ground. Oude Kerk roof is the largest medieval wooden vault in Europe. A vault is an architectural term for an arched form used to provide a space with a ceiling or roof. The church also contains 12 misericords, leaning posts installed underside folding seats. The floor consists entirely of gravestones.

The Oude Kerk is one of the oldest churches ever that is still standing. It was taken over by the Calvinists. It is also an architectural masterpiece with the constant changes.