A building with deep roots in the community
The current building on Sumatrastraat is certainly not the first in Den Helder. The first location in 1882 was a living room. From 1902 onwards, a small building appeared on Hoogstraat. On October 2, 1936, approval was granted for new construction on Sumatrastraat. The architecture was based on the Amsterdam School. This was primarily social housing. Characterful ornamental brickwork with receding joints, window frames in heavy frames, ladder windows, stained-glass windows; robust doors, porticoes, and passageways. The building style was also based on interwar architecture, in which glazed building blocks (in this building, blue/green) were also frequently used.
Renovation
In 1963, an extensive internal renovation took place. It was carried out to full satisfaction for at least 35 years. A thorough renovation took place in 1998/1999. The architecture was by Eijkelenboom from Rotterdam, and the actual construction was carried out by local contractor Luc vd Wal. They managed to connect the old and the new in a harmonious manner. The building has been granted municipal monument status.
Made by hands with conviction
The building was put into use in 1937, following construction by Apostolic members from all over the Netherlands. Since then, it has been carefully maintained. First in 1963, when an internal renovation took place. Later in 1998/1999, when old and new were harmoniously connected.
Ready for the future, with respect for the past
In 2024, further adjustments to keep pace with the times were made. Changing requirements and the smaller scale of gatherings made this desirable. The building was also made more accessible for (inter)local activities.
Municipal monument and open to the public
The building has now been granted the status of a municipal monument. During Open Monument Day, it is open from 11:00 to 16:00.
Address
Sumatrastraat 16, Den Helder
Opening hours
Sat 12 September. 11:00 – 16:00
Background information
Type of monument: Religious heritage
Original function: Church
Construction period: 1937
Current function: Church
Monument status: Municipal monument
