Grote Kerk (Big Church), St.-Bavokerk, Haarlem

Over the past couple of years, I have written reflections where the focus has been England’s Anglican Cathedrals. I have been a frequent visitor to Haarlem and led worship within the Anglican community which meets at the Old Catholic Cathedral Church of St Anna and St Mary, Haarlem, without being aware of the dominating presence of St.-Bavokerk. There has been a church on the site since the 9th century, originally of timber construction. The church site was short lived; it lost its cathedral status in 1578 with the ‘Haarlemse noon’. The cathedral was developed over the centuries culminating with it becoming a cathedral in 1559. This was attacked during mid-day prayers as part of the Reformation and the ‘Beeldenstorm’, with the destruction of religious images and side altars. This took place across Europe during the 16th century.

The history of the Netherlands, Haarlem and St.-Bavokerk has been influenced by three occupations and the Reformation…

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Reflection by Revd Derek Akker