THE CHURCHES AND TOWERS OF OLDAMBT

In the 12th century, a settlement with elementary farms developed here, and in the 13th century a church with a separate tower in Romanesque-Gothic style was added. The settlement was surrounded by rye fields, pastures and hayfields. In the 16th century, the inhabitants were forced to abandon their village due to the rising water of the Dollard. Refusing to fall into despair, they decided to rebuild the village as well as the church.

In 1659, the Nieuw-Scheemda Reformed congregation started with the construction of a new church. Not much is left of the original construction. Its façade was replaced in 1906 to resemble the façades of the villas from that time. The church underwent redevelopment in 2008, during which the blue-green ceiling was restored. The benches were also renovated and provided with a layer of imitation wood. The rest of its interior has been kept simple, with an iron armenbus – a box for donations for the poor – and a whip next to the pulpit that was used for scaring dogs away

The church in Finsterwolde was built in the 13th century and renovated sometime around 1586. As you can see, the tower and church are separate from each other. It features an organ from 1807 or 1808, constructed by well-known organ builder H. H. Freytag renovation in 2012, during which the tower was renovated as well. Unlike many other churches in the area, this one still holds services on a regular basis.

The Nieuw Beerta church and churchyard are located on the through road between Beerta and Bad Nieuweschans. Dating from 1856, it received an organ one year later. The organ is still played in this richly adorned church with its beautiful neck gable. The church – where concerts are held on a regular basis – was recently renovated as part of the Landmerken project.

The church at the Marktplein in Winschoten was constructed in the 13th century. The Romanesque-Gothic architecture, stained-glass windows and oil paintings with biblical themes certainly provide this church with a distinctive atmosphere. It features a Witte organ from 1868 with its console on its side. Be sure to climb to the top of the separate d'Olle Witte tower and take in the marvellous view of Winschoten.

In 1708, Midwolda was equipped with a church tower and large bell, which survived WWII. The bell is one of the very few 19th-century bells to have been retained. The construction of this unpretentious church took until 1738. The church choir includes ten old gravestones for vicars, dignitaries and church wardens, the oldest from 1625. Today, its functions mainly as a concert venue.

The Reformed church of Oostwold is located at the end of a driveway at the Kerksingel. The inscription above the entrance is its construction date: 1775. It was extended in 1882. This church is strikingly similar to the Nieuwe Kerk in Groningen city. Its organ – built by organ builders H.H. Freytag and J.W Timpe – dates from 1811.