Zuiderkerk

The Zuiderkerk (South Church) in Aalten is a former Reformed church, currently used by the Protestant Congregation of Aalten. The modern, rectangular building featuring a flat roof and a detached bell tower was opened in 1965.

Even before the Second World War, the Reformed Church in Aalten decided to establish a building fund for a third church building. The plans were further developed after the war. Two local architects submitted designs, and the plan by architect W. van der Zee was ultimately chosen.

The construction of the new church was estimated to cost around half a million guilders (five tonnes of gold). The Reformed Church Building Support Foundation (Stichting Steun Kerkbouw – SSK) provided an interest-free loan of ƒ193,800, as well as a loan of ƒ150,000 at 2%. The government subsidy amounted to nearly ƒ178,000. The project was put out to tender on 21 December 1962.

The foundation stone was laid by the congregation’s oldest member, W. Kemink from IJzerlo. The structural work cost over ƒ400,000, while the interior fittings and fixtures – including heating, pews, the pulpit, organ, chairs, furniture, the grounds, and the car park – added nearly another ƒ300,000. On 12 January 1965, the building committee officially handed the church over to the kirk session (church council).

Design and Interior

The Zuiderkerk is a sleek, rectangular building in the austere style of the 1960s. Narrow windows directly below the roofline provide natural light all around. On one side, there are tall, elongated windows with rows of lights in strands of five hanging in front of them.

Artworks

• Next to the pulpit, a sgraffito by Harrie Dercksen was created, depicting the miraculous catch of fish at Tiberias after Jesus’ resurrection.
• On the back wall of the church hall, a mural was painted by members of the congregation based on a design by Jan Haen, symbolically depicting events of salvation.
• On the exterior of the organ extension, a mural was also added in 1965, again designed by Jan Haen, on the theme of Moses and the burning bush.

Organ

In 1962, the firm Ahrend & Brunzema was commissioned to build a new organ, with Cor Edskes serving as consultant. Due to the building’s poor acoustics, the original design had to be significantly modified during construction. The instrument was delivered on 27 January 1968. Up until that point, church services had been musically accompanied by trumpeter C. Meijer.

Current Status

The Zuiderkerk is still used by the Protestant Congregation of Aalten, alongside the Oude Helenakerk (Old Helena Church). Services are held here weekly.

Although the church does not hold official listed status, it is mentioned in heritage studies as a fine example of well-preserved post-war church architecture in the Achterhoek region.