De Kandelaar
Dordrecht, NL
Modern church with tower. This became too small for the Reformed Church (GKV) in Dordrecht. Out of use as a Reformed Church (Liberated) in 1993. From 1993 Full Gospel Church Eljakim. The Kandelaarkerk is not the first building of the Liberated Church of Dordrecht. The name “de Kandelaar” has been used before on the Jan Ligthartlaan. This building was already becoming too small in 1986. The shortage of meeting space could be solved by renting rooms in a school building opposite the church. But the fact that the church hall was bursting at the seams on Sundays – and what about Communion Sundays with seven tables – required a structural approach. Renovation plans were scrapped. Existing churches were not available. New construction appeared to be the only option. In 1993 the die was cast. The old building was sold and temporary accommodation was found in the Kruiskerk, the Baptist building on the Vrieseweg. For the new building to be designed , the choice fell on architect De Ruiter. Not without reason, because he also built a surprising building in Dordrecht. A semi-circular church hall with two half rings around it. The outer one has the entrance in the middle with a view of the liturgical centre and also contains meeting facilities; the inner ring forms the hall with meeting rooms at the ends. The balcony opposite the pulpit carries the organ. This organ originally served as a concert organ in Musis Sacrum in Arnhem.