Monthly Archive for April, 2010

In the southern part of the village of Velp (near Arnhem, The Netherlands) we find a beautiful old church from the 11th century called Old John church (Oude Jan kerk).

Now it is located between new houses, situated in a small park; but long time ago it was in the middle of meadows influenced by the river Ijssel (side branch of the river Rhine).

Click to enlarge photo Oude Jan kerk, Velp, Netherlands, 01.2010

What is so special about this small (protestant) churh?

Very striking is the beautiful old mural, in 1949 edited by Jacobs Co.,  with the text of the Ten Commandments. Also three large stained-glass windows, written by Johan Mekkink, ask attention. Very special is the bell in the bell tower: in 1678 poured the famous bell-founder Peter Hemony from Amsterdam this bronze bell.

The  bell  survived  the  fire melts of the German World War II, when many bronze bells  were converted into cannons and bullets. Source: http://www.vriendenvandeoudejan.nl/folder.php

When you walk around the church in winter, spring, summer or in fall it is a nice atmosphere to recollect your thaughts from busy everyday life.