A plan of great cultural significance
Throughout the centuries, the Church has been the bearer of culture. Especially in rural areas, the influence of the Church on cultural development has been very significant. Anyone wishing to learn about and research the history of a village can find a wealth of information in the church archives, as the Church has long stood as the center of village life.
Various influences have caused the Church to gradually relinquish this position and lose its central role. Large groups turned away from the Church, which had nothing more to offer them, and continued their lives outside of any ecclesiastical connection.
Church life had become stagnant and no longer brought people into contact with spiritual movements as it had done throughout the centuries. The church building still stood in the midst of the village community, but it no longer took part in the community itself. It had lost its evangelizing character. But our old Church has not weathered the storms of centuries for nothing. Now, too, it will find its place again in the heart of the community.
Community Center
Viewed in this light, the plans for the “Community Center” in Aalten are of great significance. For here, the Church takes upon its shoulders a task of immense importance and great cultural value. It will not be an easy task to carry out this plan, but the Church has accomplished greater things. Once again, the Church will take up its cultural mission by establishing a “Community Center,” a building where community life can find a home and where there is also ample opportunity to organize pleasant evenings.
More and more, the conclusion is being reached that the halls currently available in Aalten are not fully suitable for this purpose, so that the opportunity to provide some guidance for recreation has been lacking until now.
No one who has observed rural recreation in recent years will deny that a certain degree of guidance or direction is necessary. The theater troupes that come to the villages are often third- or fourth-rate companies that can no longer attract audiences even in provincial towns and are now trying to earn their living in the villages. The way our boys and girls spend their free time is a problem that urgently requires a solution.
The plans
The committee appointed by the Churchwardens to prepare the plans for the establishment of such a building has already consulted with the Synodal Building Committee, “Church and World,” and the Reformed Youth Council. The architect, Ir. Boeken, has created a design that takes full account of the various purposes for which the building will be used. There will be a proper theater hall with a projection booth.
Regarding the availability of the building, the intention is to adopt a very broad perspective. Non-church organizations will also be able to use it, although the general guidelines of the Synod will be decisive. No decision has yet been made regarding the location where the building will be erected, although the Wheme is being strongly considered. It is hoped that architectural considerations will ensure it fits into the village atmosphere.
Thus, work is proceeding diligently on the plans for the establishment of this “Community Center.” And although it will likely be several years before the first stone can be laid, we must praise the initiative and courage of the Churchwardens for taking this step. On Sunday evening, at a congregational meeting, Rev. F.J. Pop, chairman of “Church and World,” will speak on the topic “Church and World and Community Center.”
