De Voorhof Church

Location: Westerbork, Drenthe, Netherlands.

The church has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century.

The church's architectural style is characterized by its classical design elements, including a rectangular shape, a gabled roof, and a distinctive bell tower. The exterior walls are made of brick, while the interior features a wooden floor and pews. The building has undergone several renovations over the years, with the most significant changes occurring in the early 20th century.

The church was built in 1824 to serve the growing Protestant population in Westerbork. Initially, it was known as the "Nieuwe Kerk" (New Church) to distinguish it from the existing Catholic church in the area. In 1883, the church was renamed De Voorhof, which is Dutch for "The Court or The Enclosure". This name change reflected the church's role as a community hub and center of worship.

Roles during World War II:

• The church became a temporary home for refugees and evacuees from other parts of the Netherlands, who sought shelter from the war.
• In 1944, the church was severely damaged by a German bombing raid, but it was rebuilt and rededicated in 1951.

Today, De Voorhof Church continues to serve as an active place of worship for Protestants in Westerbork. The building has undergone several restorations to preserve its original architecture and charm. Visitors can still see the church's beautiful stained-glass windows, wooden pews, and historic bell tower.

Address:

1. Hoogeveenseweg 4, 9431 AZ Westerbork, Netherlands.
2. Contact the church directly for more information or to schedule a visit.