Situated in the heart of Hillegom, a charming town in the South Holland province of the Netherlands, stands the majestic Martinuskerk, known locally as Sint-Martinuskerk. This Roman Catholic church, with its imposing tower and rich history, is a beacon of faith and architectural splendor, drawing visitors from near and far.
The story of Martinuskerk is deeply intertwined with the history of Hillegom itself. The original church dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours, now known as Maartenskerk, was taken over by Protestants during the Reformation. As a result, the Catholic community resorted to using barn churches, with the last one located on Bakkummerlaan. The burgeoning Catholic population in the 19th century necessitated the construction of a larger church, leading to the establishment of the first Martinuskerk on the corner of Hoofdstraat and Mariastraat between 1870 and 1871. Designed by architect H.J. van den Brink, this three-aisled neo-Gothic church marked a significant milestone in Hillegom’s religious landscape.
With the dawn of the 20th century, Hillegom’s population continued to grow, fueled by the thriving flower bulb industry. By 1915, a second parish was established, leading to the construction of the Sint-Jozefkerk. Despite this, the original Martinuskerk still proved too small. Under the guidance of Pastor J.J.A.M. Krook and architect H.P.J. de Vries, plans for a new, larger church were set in motion. However, financial constraints meant that de Vries had to adapt his grand design, incorporating parts of the old church into the new structure.
Construction began in March 1924, with local contractor A. Leliveld winning the bid with a proposal of 124,000 guilders. The project included the construction of a new transept with 400 additional seats, a new priest’s choir with a raised floor, and a sacristy along Mariastraat. Despite some setbacks, including an accident during demolition work, the construction progressed steadily. The symbolic first stone was laid on July 30, 1924, by Dean H.J. Zondag, and by the summer of 1926, the new Martinuskerk was completed. The church was consecrated on October 6, 1926, by Bishop Callier.
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The Martinuskerk is a stunning example of traditionalist architecture with Gothic elements. The church’s façade, with its towering spire and intricate brickwork, gives the impression of a pseudo-basilica. The central nave, flanked by lower side aisles, features a clerestory with pointed arch windows that flood the interior with light. The choir, with its semi-circular apse and seven tall pointed arch windows, is supported externally by buttresses, adding to the church’s Gothic allure.
The 1871 tower, with its neo-Gothic design, stands as a testament to the church’s historical continuity. The tower’s clock faces, strategically placed above the belfry openings, add a touch of timeless elegance. The main entrance, adorned with a pointed arch archivolt and tympanum, is flanked by smaller entrances that provide regular access to the church. Above the tower door, a statue of Saint Martin serves as a reminder of the church’s patron saint.
Stepping inside Martinuskerk, visitors are greeted by a wooden saddle roof supported by pointed arch brickwork and wooden trusses. The chancel, raised above the church floor, features intricate patterns of glazed Mauro tiles in earthy tones, adding a touch of opulence. The neo-Gothic high altar, crafted from marlstone by the Roermond firm J.A. van Oort & Zn in 1882, stands as a focal point of devotion.
The church’s interior is adorned with numerous artistic and architectural details. The side chapels house altars dedicated to Mary and Joseph, while the nave is lined with church pews and fan-shaped lamps designed by the church’s architect. The fourteen Stations of the Cross, painted copies of those in Antwerp’s Cathedral of Our Lady, have been a part of the church since 1927.
Above the entrance hall, the organ loft houses a grand church organ and a wooden gallery for the choir, complete with an ornate wooden balustrade. The entrance hall itself features a marble plaque listing the names of all the pastors who have served the church, a testament to its long and storied history.
In the 1950s, a new rectory was built adjacent to the church, providing direct access to the north aisle. The church tower received three new bells named Johannes-Petrus, Jozef-Martinus, and the Angelus bell Maria-Bernardus. A major restoration of the tower took place in 1994, funded by the Hillegom community.
In the 1990s, the parishes of Hillegom merged, leading to the closure of the Sint-Jozefkerk in 2009. The Martinuskerk, renamed Sint-Jozef en Sint-Martinuskerk, became the sole Catholic church in Hillegom. Extensive renovations between 2008 and 2009 ensured the church’s continued use and preservation as a municipal monument.
Today, Martinuskerk stands as a symbol of faith and resilience, its walls echoing the prayers and hymns of generations. A visit to this historic church offers a glimpse into the rich cultural and religious heritage of Hillegom, making it a must-see for any traveler exploring the Netherlands.
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