Location Utrecht, Netherlands Completed 1877 Capacity 350 Heritage designation Rijksmonument | Rite Latin Rite Opened 1877 Ecclesiastical or organizational status Church | |
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Affiliation Traditional Roman Catholic Leadership Sint Willibrordus Stichting Architectural style Gothic Revival architecture | ||
St. Willibrord's Church, Utrecht, is a Roman Catholic church dedicated to Saint Willibrord situated in Utrecht in the Netherlands, Minrebroederstraat 21. This church is a Rijksmonument since 1976 and is currently owned by the Sint Willibrordus Stichting, founded by father Winand Kotte A.A. The church is near the Dom Church in the historical centre of Utrecht, the Saint Willibrord church is known as a hidden treasure in the city. It is a fine example of gothic revival churches in The Netherlands. Built in the nineteenth century, the interior was finalized towards the end of that century. The church has a well known organ built by Maarschalkerweerd.
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History
The Willibrord's Church is constructed between 1875 and 1877 after the design of architect Alfred Tepe in gothic revival style. It is one of the most well kept remaining examples of the Utrecht Styl of the gothic revival. The sober exterior of the church is a great contrast with the elaborate and colourful interior. Many artists from the St. Bernulphus Guild worked together to decorate the church. Almost every wall of the church is painted. These colourful paintings are part of the various other elements of the church, including the wood carvings and stained glass windows depicting the life of St. Willibrord. In 2005 a large-scale restoration was completed, helping to maintain the unique and wonderfully colourful interior. The most important part of the church, the choir, is the most extensively decorated part of the church. Central to this is the symbolism of the Holy Sacrament. Because the church is surrounded by houses, the architect chose to build an extra high, yet short building with high windows. The church was dedicated in 1877 by monsignor Schaepman, but the interior wasn't completed until 1891.
Relations with the Diocese
After the Second Vatican Council, the diocese of Utrecht wanted to sell and demolish the church. Lay people and father Winand Kotte A.A., bought the building and kept the interior with its many decorations intact. They celebrated the Mass in Latin, first the 1962 missal, and later 1969, until the death of their founder and shepherd.
Current use
To keep the building maintained, the building is rented out for classical concerts during the week. The Sunday Masses for the faithful of the Willibrord church has had many shephers. Since December 2015 the Society of Saint Pius X is taking care of the souls. Sung Latin Tridentine Masses take place every Sunday at 5h00 pm by the SSPX.