Reformed Church Sint Anthoniepolder - Maasdam

The Reformed Church of Sint Anthoniepolder has a rich and special history dating back to the Middle Ages. The original church building was built in 1357 as a Roman Catholic parish church dedicated to St Anthony of Egypt. Until 1559, the church fell under the diocese of Liège. During the devastating Sint-Elisabethflood of 1421, the Sint Anthoniepolder turned out to be the only polder in the Hoeksche Waard that was not flooded. As a result, the church building was spared.

During the 15th century, the church was rebuilt, with the choir dating from the 16th century. The church tower, on the other hand, is still the original structure from 1357 and is a beautiful historical beacon.

A consistory room was added to the south facade of the church in 1887. This was demolished between 1981 and 1985 and rebuilt on the west side of the church, giving the building its current shape.

Fun fact: Annie M.G. Schmidt's father, Reverend Johannes Daniël Schmidt, had his first stand in this church in the early 20th century!