Westerkerk

The Westerkerk (West Church) in Aalten was built in 1891, a few years after the Doleantie (the Reformed church schism) of 1886. The building served as a Reformed church and was known as ‘Church B’, whilst the Oosterkerk (East Church) was designated ‘Church A’. The church was designed by architect H. van der Brand, who created what is known as a schuurkerk (barn church): a simple, functional church building.

In 1928, a porch was added to the street side because space inside the church had become insufficient. The church was built in a neoclassical style, featuring several round-arched windows in its front façade. A small spire sits atop the roof.

War Years

On 30 January 1944, German SS officers carried out a raid (razzia) on two churches in Aalten, including the Westerkerk. The occupying forces knew that church services were well attended, including by young men and people in hiding (onderduikers) who were evading forced labour (Arbeitseinsatz) or who had failed to return from leave. More than forty men were arrested during the raid.

Later History

In 1999, the Westerkerk was sold to the Euregio Christengemeente Aalten-Bocholt (Euregio Christian Congregation), which has used the building ever since. The Westerkerk has been designated a municipal monument (locally listed building).