The Oostkerk as few Middelburg residents know it
Anyone stepping inside the imposing Oostkerk in Middelburg today sees, above all, a magnificent monument. The high dome, the distinctive octagonal design and the serene interior leave a profound impression on visitors. But behind its monumental walls lies a history full of political struggle, social engagement and remarkable stories.
Radboud Mensonides discovered this too. When he began working as a guide at the Oostkerk a few years ago, he noticed that there was actually no accessible overview of the building’s rich history. This prompted him to set out on his own research. The result is the book Een Hemels Bouwwerk (“A Heavenly Structure”), in which he has brought together the many stories behind the Oostkerk.
A church that divided the city
The Oostkerk is now regarded as one of Zeeland’s most important monuments. The building was constructed between 1647 and 1667 and is one of the highlights of Dutch Classicism, the same architectural movement that can also be seen in the Mauritshuis, Huis ten Bosch and the Paleis op de Dam.
Yet during its construction, the church was anything but uncontroversial. Construction costs soared and placed a heavy strain on the city’s finances. To fund the ambitious project, Middelburg’s mayors Hendrik Thibaut and Jacob Landsbergen decided to raise excise duties on beer and wine. This proved to be an extremely unpopular measure.
What began as discontent escalated into one of the biggest political riots in Middelburg’s history. Opponents of the city council seized upon the tax increase to further stoke public anger. In 1651, the situation spiralled completely out of control. Angry residents ransacked Mayor Landsbergen’s home, and both mayors were eventually banished from the city.
The additional taxes were initially reversed, although similar duties were later introduced nonetheless.
A minister opposed to the slave trade
The Oostkerk was not only a religious centre but also played a role in social debates. One of the best-known ministers associated with the church was Bernardus Smytegelt.
Smytegelt gained great renown for his impassioned sermons and his influence on religious life in Zeeland. Less well known is that he spoke out against the slave trade, a remarkable stance at a time when trade and shipping were a major source of prosperity for the Republic.
His sermons made it clear that critical voices were also being raised within the church regarding social injustices.
The man with the stick
Amidst the major historical events, Mensonides also uncovered smaller stories that offer a unique insight into daily life in the past. One of these concerns the so-called ‘stick man’.
Whilst researching the Zeeland Newspaper Archive, he came across a report from 1950 in which a certain J. Poortvliet was honoured for his fortieth anniversary as the ‘stick man’ of the Oostkerk.
What did such a person actually do?
The role seems almost unimaginable today. During church services, the “stockman” walked around with a long stick. His task was to maintain order and ensure people paid attention during the sermon. Whenever he saw someone dozing off, he would give the sleeper a friendly but firm nudge with his stick. Poortvliet carried out this role from 1910 to 1950 and was actually honoured officially after four decades of loyal service.
More than a monument
Whilst writing his book, Mensonides’s knowledge of the Oostkerk grew, as did his admiration for it. The building tells the story of Middelburg itself: from political conflicts and economic challenges to religious life, social engagement and everyday customs that have since disappeared.
Nowadays, the Oostkerk once again plays an important role as a meeting place. Concerts, lectures, exhibitions and cultural events attract visitors from home and abroad. Yet Mensonides notes that it is mainly tourists who find their way to the church. He regrets this, because for the people of Middelburg themselves, the Oostkerk is a building full of stories.
Stories that show that behind the monumental façade lies much more than just a fine piece of architecture. It is a place where the city’s history is still tangibly present — from the beer riot of the seventeenth century to the ‘stick man’ who prodded sleepers awake during the Sunday sermon.
“A Heavenly Structure” is published by the Oostkerk Foundation.
The Hurgronje Family Fund has made a financial contribution towards the publication. In gratitude for this contribution, the Family Fund has received a number of copies of the booklet. Members who are interested in obtaining a copy can contact the secretariat for a free copy.
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