Kerk, Parkstraat 65 A

English translation

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Description

introduction

R.C. CHURCH of St. James the Great built in 1875-1878 after designs by P.J.H. Cuypers in neogothic style; wrought-iron fence with ornamental lanterns on the Parkstraat.

description

Three-aisle neogothic cross basilica with somewhat narrower and lower choir, whose apse is surrounded by an ambulatory with gallery.

Rectangular chapels on either side of the choir, each covered by four cross-rib vaults that meet at a central pier. The church has piers with small columns and carved capitals and is vaulted by masonry cross-rib vaults. Rose windows in the west facade and the end facades of the transept. The 91 m high west tower consists of two square storeys and an octagonal lantern flanked by pinnacles, topped by a tall spire whose timber structure runs through the tower to the level of the church roof. The lantern is accompanied at the corners by substantial pinnacles. At the intersection of the roofs over the nave, choir and transept an octagonal timber crossing tower with spire. On the left side of the choir the sacristy with original baptismal chapel (now auxiliary sacristy). On the right side of the apse a diplomatic chapel with chapel on the storey above. Square stair towers with spire at the sacristy, octagonal stair towers on either side of the choir.

The polychromy, wall paintings and tile floors in the church were executed after designs by Cuypers, during or shortly after the construction period. The stained-glass windows were supplied not only by the Cuypers-Stoltzenberg workshop but also by other workshops, including the Nicolas workshop in Roermond. The wall paintings include among others representations of the Wedding at Cana, the Last Supper, scenes from the life of the apostle James and a series of saints depicted as "militia Christi". All of these representations are located against the end facades of the transept. The inventory includes among others: high altar (1878, Cuypers), Mary altar (1878, design Cuypers), Sacred Heart altar (1878-1879, Leeuw, Lenaerts and Houtermans), St. Joseph altar and Martyrs of Gorcum altar (both 1880, Te Poel and Stoltefus). All of these altars have retables carved in wood and polychromed. Furthermore limestone neogothic parish altar, two sets of communion benches with reliefs and figures carved in wood and polychromed, limestone pulpit with reliefs and wooden sounding board, stations of the cross painted on canvas by Alexander Klaesener from 1887, rood screen with carved wooden crucifix group, confessionals with wood carving, copper light crowns in the arcade spandrels of the nave, dating from 1877, two lime-wood figures of Mary with Child and Joseph (Antwerp, c. 1700), originating from the former hidden church on the Oude Molstraat as well as two wooden carved angel figures. Furthermore a figure of James executed in stucco (Louis Royer, 1837).

Choir gallery with carved balustrade and corbels, design W.B. van Liefland, on the west side of the nave. Wooden draught vestibule in the space under the tower, design W.B. van Liefland. Hardstone baptismal font with copper cover and crowning, originating from the Vondelkerk in Amsterdam. Hardstone baptismal font with wooden cover and figure group. The great organ in neogothic case, originating from the Spaarnekerk in Haarlem, probably after design by P.J.H. Cuypers, 1890-1891. The pipes by P.J. Adema and Sons in Amsterdam, restored and extended with pipes by among others Kam and Van der Meulen (1854) and Maarschalkerweerd (1902), originating from the organ previously in the church, by H. Schreurs in 1976. Associated with the organ case a carved wooden figure of Cecilia by J.P. Maas.

The choir organ has a neogothic case, made in 1905 by M. Maarschalkerweerd. This case originates from Huize St. Antonius on the Binnenweg in Rotterdam. The pipes were made in 1854 by W.H. Kam using pipes by J.J. Mitterreither from 1797. Installed in the church a bell by Naylor, Vickers and Co., 1860, diam. 53.1 cm. Mechanical tower clock, L.W.F. Volcke, circa 1880.

Wrought-iron fence with ornamental lanterns on the Parkstraat.

Valuation

Neogothic cross basilica with uncommonly well-preserved church interior with associated and added inventory components and associated railings of general importance on account of architectural, cultural and art-historical values, as a complete example of the 'Gesamtkunstwerk' in neogothic style pursued by P.J.H. Cuypers; furthermore of urban planning importance on account of the striking, tall west tower.