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From Emergency Church to Agricultural Barn
On Saturday, July 18, 2015, a large group of volunteers from the Bevrijdingsmuseum Zeeland gathered on the Allemekinders family’s property in Baarland. Their task: dismantling the former emergency church of Ellewoutsdijk, with the goal of reconstructing it in its original state in the Liberation Park. All usable parts were carefully inventoried and transported to the workshop in Nieuwdorp.
The emergency church was put into use after World War II as a temporary place of worship after the original church was completely destroyed in the fighting. The Germans had used the tower as an observation post, making it a target. On April 22, 1951, after the opening of a new church, the emergency church was given a new purpose: it became an agricultural barn and wagon house for the Allemekinders family in Baarland, where it remained in use for nearly 65 years.
From Nissen Hut to Reconstruction Project
The emergency church was originally based on a Nissen hut, which had been cut lengthwise to create a wider space. The open gap was covered with a raised, semi-circular roof, featuring distinctive upper windows that allowed ample natural light. The roof structure rests on elegantly crafted, curved wooden trusses, while the front and rear facades are made of brick, and the roof is topped with a modest spire.
When the Allemekinders family ended their agricultural activities, the Bevrijdingsmuseum Zeeland had the opportunity to take over and restore the building to its former glory. The reconstruction began with the restoration of the authentic wooden trusses in the workshop, after which they were transported to the Liberation Park and installed. The trusses were then connected, and work began on building the cavity walls and interior spaces.
Traditional Craftsmanship and Modern Techniques
The reconstruction required both traditional building techniques and modern solutions. The exterior walls were built using historical masonry methods, which posed a challenge due to the slanted front gable that leads up to a small tower. A zinc spire was placed on top of this tower, crowned with a weather vane in the shape of a rooster.
After the wall construction, the steel Nissen hut frame and corrugated roof were installed. Just like in the original structure, the sheets were applied in double layers, but now with glass wool and vapor barrier in between, ensuring that the reconstructed church meets modern insulation standards. Next, the window frames were installed and fitted with double glazing.
The heating system is also entirely modern. In November 2015, three geothermal probes were installed at a depth of 60 meters. Later that year, a team from the 105 Engineer Company Water Construction supported the reconstruction. They laid approximately 4 kilometers of underground cables and protective conduits, connecting the museum’s main electrical panel to the church’s distribution board. The museum’s electrical and plumbing team, in collaboration with civilian contractors, handled the installations within the building.
Remembrance and Education
Inside the reconstructed emergency church, two display cases showcase historical artifacts. One of them highlights the history of Ellewoutsdijk, with the emergency church as its centerpiece. Notable items in the collection include the original silver communion set from 1906, a pewter communion set from 1643 that was damaged during the Liberation, the pulpit Bible, and an authentic christening gown accompanied by a photo of its original wearer.
The second display case is dedicated to the remembrance of Zeeland’s war victims. Various objects and photographs bear witness to the suffering of this period. Through touchscreens, visitors can read the accompanying stories and search an integrated database for all Zeeland war victims.
The emergency church no longer serves a religious function but is used for peace education. The building is equipped with a projector, screen, and sound system, making it suitable for business presentations as well. Additionally, the church is an official wedding venue.
Opening and Acknowledgment
On April 22, 2016, exactly 65 years after the last church service, the reconstructed emergency church of Ellewoutsdijk was officially opened. This was made possible through the financial support of the Adriaan van ‘t Westreenen Foundation, the vfonds, the Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds, and various regional businesses. Special thanks go to the soldiers of the 105 Engineer Company Water Construction and the many volunteers of the Bevrijdingsmuseum Zeeland. Thanks to their dedication, this piece of history has been restored to its full glory in the Liberation Park.