Hervormde Kerk
Hekelingen, NL
Although the current village church of Hekelingen is a simple 19th century hall church from the design rooms of the then Ministry of Public Works, its roots go back much further in time. The first church of Hekelingen was probably built in the thirteenth century by order of the Lord of Putten. Until 1847 it stood on the spot where the cemetery is still located, on the Meeldijk. Little is known about this building. There are also no images that reliably depict the church. It was probably a single-nave Gothic church. We only come across reports about the building when its maintenance is a major concern for the municipality. And that is often the case. Hekelingen, like all villages on the island, never recovered from the battle of the Elizabeth flood. The building sometimes hangs like a millstone around the neck of the church treasurers. In the 18th century, trees were grown around the church which, once mature, were sold to the residents of country estates on the Vecht and the surrounding area. This money was used to renovate the church. Another mention is that from the years of Reverend Westhovius. He was a young minister of Hekelingen and was called by Admiral de Ruyter to go along as chaplain on the ships. In that capacity he is present at the death of the admiral. From a legacy he receives as thanks for his service a silver communion set and a richly decorated pulpit for the church. Both have however disappeared in the mists of time.