Stefanuskerk, Westerbork
Facts and practical information
The Stefanuskerk is a Gothic church in the Drenthe town of Westerbork. In 1206 the capella de Burch is mentioned which then falls under the church of Beilen. Later this chapel becomes an independent parish church.
The church of Westerbork was built in the early 15th century, succeeding a wooden predecessor. The tower was built earlier. The lower part of the tower dates from the 13th century. Later, in 1778, the upper part of the tower was built.
The church was dedicated to the martyr Stephen, just like the mother church in Beilen. After the transfer of the church around 1600 to the Protestants, this name fell somewhat into oblivion. Since 2007 the church officially carries the name Stefanuskerk again.
The supper table was made in the 17th century and the pulpit in 1778. The organ was built in 1726 by Christian Müller and Johann Michael Schwartsburg for the St. Martin's Church in Beetgum. When Petrus van Oeckelen built a new organ for that church, he moved the old instrument to Westerbork in 1862.
Inside the church are several paintings by Reinhart Dozy, who lived in nearby Elp from 1939 until his death in 1947. He painted the church walk of women in Drenthe costume.
Drenthe