The Dorpskerk

The Dorpskerk, also known as the Old Church or Oude Kerk, dates back to the Middle Ages and is believed to have been built around the 12th century. Its exact founding date is unknown.

The church has undergone several renovations and expansions over the centuries, with the most significant being in the 17th century when it was rebuilt in its current Baroque style.

• A rectangular floor plan with a tower at its west end
• A façade adorned with a large stone tympanum, decorated with carvings of Christian symbols and figures
• A wooden pulpit, ornate pews, and stained-glass windows
• A Baroque-style organ, which dates back to the 18th century

The Dorpskerk holds significant cultural and historical value for the people of Twello and the surrounding region.

History

1. 15th-century single-aisled church originally dedicated to Maria in the Gelderse town of Twello
2. The tower was built against the west side of the existing nave at the beginning of the 15th century
3. A part of the church was destroyed by fire during battles between the city of Deventer and Karel van Gelre in 1522. Eighteen parishioners lost their lives in this fire.
4. The church was rebuilt, with the tower being raised with an additional third section halfway through the 16th century
5. A epitaph hangs on the south wall of the church featuring the image of the crucifixion
6. A late Gothic baptismal font dates back to the 15th century
7. The pulpit was crafted by Joost Kok in 1771 and the organ was made between 1819 and 1823 by the organ builder Abraham Meere

Restorations have taken place throughout the years, including in 1902 and 1903, and again in 1965 and 1984. In 2011, the church was reconfigured by architect P.D. van Vliet.

In February 2018, two stained-glass windows featuring Jeremiah and Isaiah were placed on either side of the pulpit. The windows were made by Jan Ooms (1915-1975) and restored by Mr. Rauwelink from Aalten. They were donated by the Ooms family.

The church and tower have been recognized as a national monument and registered in the monuments register since 1971.