Jacobuskerk Renesse

St. James’ Church (Jacobuskerk)

In the heart of the village stands the Gothic St. James’ Church, built in 1506 on Lange Reke. However, the history of this site goes back much further. A Romanesque chapel most likely stood here before the current church was built. In 1207 it was recorded that Jan van Renesse was buried near the main altar, which was dedicated to James the Greater – the saint of Santiago de Compostela.

The church forms part of the ancient pilgrimage route to Spain. Around 25 July, the feast day of St. James, this connection is still celebrated in Renesse. The annual fair traditionally takes place around this date as well.

Centuries in Stone and Wood

Inside, different periods of history come together. The 17th-century pulpit comes from the church of Elkerzee, which was not rebuilt after the Flood Disaster of 1953. Next to the pulpit stands a painted iron chest from the same century, once used to store the communion silver.

Beneath the communion table lies an ancient altar stone marked with five crosses, referring to the five wounds of Christ. The organ, with its 930 pipes, was built in 1882 by the Oberlinger company in Windesheim.

Particularly remarkable for the province of Zeeland is the collection of funeral boards, coats of arms and heraldic panels from the second half of the 18th century.

Tower and Bell

In the tower hangs a church bell from 1458, cast by Pieter van Dormen. Its inscription reads: Salvatrix seculi, Stella maris succure ora nobis – Saviour of the world, Star of the Sea, be our help.

On the north side stands an octagonal stair tower. Together with the main tower, it forms the silhouette of Mary and Child. The tower itself is not open to visitors, but both the exterior and interior of the church offer plenty to discover.

Services and Visiting

A church service is held every Sunday at 9:30 am. During the summer months, German-language services are also held. The minister is Rev. Marco Boevé.

The church also regularly hosts free concerts, exhibitions and open church moments.

Anyone interested in the history of Renesse should not miss St. James’ Church. Step inside, look up at the vaulted ceiling and experience how the centuries are still tangible here.

For up-to-date information, please visit:
www.kerkrenessenoordwelle.nl