Gereformeerde Kerk (Vrijgemaakt)

The Reformed Church (GKV) in Rotterdam Centrum is an interesting example of post-war reconstruction architecture. Although the building originally served as a GKV church, it is now known as the "Simonstraatkerk". It is a modernist church without a tower and is surrounded by modern high-rise buildings. In 2017, the church was restored, renovated and refurbished. Despite its inconspicuous appearance, the building has architecturally significant details that are characteristic of the post-war reconstruction period. It is a valuable piece of architecture that reflects the history and development of Rotterdam. During the restoration and renovation of the church, the GKV services were temporarily held in the Christian Reformed Rehoboth Church on the Noordsingel. This was a practical solution to provide the religious community with a place to live while their own church building was being renovated. It is interesting to see how this church, amidst modern high-rise buildings, has found and maintained its place in the city centre of Rotterdam. It emphasises the importance of preserving historically and architecturally valuable buildings in a constantly developing city.

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Other nearby buildings

Doopsgezinde Kerk

Interesting reconstruction church. Hall church without tower, but remarkably situated. Also used as ecumenical student church until 2002. On Sunday afternoons also used by the Full Gospel Church Eljakim.

Prinsekerk

Built as Dutch Reformed Church in the Rotterdam district of Blijdorp, north of (= behind) the Central Station. Beautiful church. Architecturally exceptionally important interbellum church, with a series of outbuildings surrounding the inner garden, including a chapel, and an extremely original tower. Both the church and the adjacent parsonage are municipal monuments. Large hall church, built in 1933 by JC Meischke and P. Schmidt. Rectangular narrow tower with tent roof. Internal lobed wooden barrel vault. Furniture, organ and pulpit come from the former Reformed Oosterkerk in Rotterdam, which was demolished in 1933. After the demolition of the nearby Reformed Statensingelkerk, it was also used by the Reformed Church. Later a church of the PKN. The large church space has also been used by the IZB Gemeente Noorderlicht since 02-07-2012, which holds services on Sundays at 11:00. (Meaning of abbreviation IZB to be verified). The PKN church services (largely) take place in the Chapel of the complex, on Sundays at 10:00. To be verified since when this has been the case. In the large, monumental church hall, celebrations take place of the Noorderlicht congregation, a special congregation of the PKN. This congregation also holds Sunday celebrations in 2 other churches: the Oranjekerk in Hillegersberg and the Oude Kerk in Charlois in Rotterdam Zuid.