Christianity ProtestantThe community in the Keizersgrachtkerk changed its character in the 1970s - 1980s.
Location
Keizersgrachtkerk
Keizersgracht 566
Type
Church
Religious community
Protestant Church in Amsterdam, formerly known as Dutch Reformed Church in Amsterdam
Object
The Lord's Supper baskets made of rattan, wrapped with cotton thread
Maker and date
Maker unknown
1990-2000
Visit
Not available for viewing
Current interior
Current exterior
The Lord's Supper
The bread baskets were donated to the Keizersgrachtkerk by Eritrean refugees. The baskets are used in the weekly celebration of bread and cup (called the Lord's Supper in church terminology). For members of the Keizersgrachtkerk, this ritual reflects not only their connection to Jesus, but also their connection to society. That the community uses these bread baskets is special. In most Protestant churches, The Lord's Supper is celebrated with silver or pewter cups and bowls. A silver sacrament set was also used in the Keizersgrachtkerk, but it has been put aside.
Lord’s Supper
During the Lord's Supper, the Protestant Church commemorates Jesus' last supper with his disciples. Church members receive a piece of bread and wine or grape juice. These symbolize the body and blood of Jesus. This commemorates the fact that Jesus gave his life to redeem people.
The community of the Keizersgrachtkerk positions itself in the midst of everything going on in society. Being actively engaged with the Eritrean refugees coming to the city in the 1980s is part of this. Illustration in Church in the City (KidS) 1973.
Liberalism and equality
The rattan baskets symbolise the now characteristic liberal character of the Keizersgracht community. This liberality has not always been there. The change in the community's character begins in the 1970s. The church then starts to focus more outwardly. It is the time when many church members get involved in refugee work and equality in church and society. This leads to refugees from different countries joining the church.
The height of the pulpit makes the preacher easily visible to all churchgoers, including those in the first and second galleries.
Pulpit
Following changes in society and theology, pastor Eduard Pijlman (1915-2003) set in motion a process of renewal. In 1973, he decided to stop using the imposing high pulpit. With this act, he wanted to reduce the physical distance between the members of the congregation and the preacher. The church services themselves also reflect this. From now on, the members of the congregation determine the content and form of the services together with the preacher. This way of being church is still characteristic of the Keizersgracht community today.
Vera Mijnheer
Employee Protestant Church Amsterdam
Thanks to
Peter Dillingh
Member Keizersgrachtkerk
Anna Verbeek
Deacon of the Keizersgrachtkerk community and member of the district church council
Last edited
October 03, 2024
Avondmaalsmanden, maker unknown, 1990-2000, rattan wrapped with cotton thread, 10 x 30 cm diameter. Collection Protestant Church Amsterdam. Photography Robert Westera.
Interior and exterior: photography Robert Westera.
Illustration in Kerk in de Stad (KidS) 1973, Municipal Gazette of the Keizersgracht community. Archief Keizersgrachtkerk.
Pulpit, Gerlof Bartholomeus Salm en Abraham Salm, 1888,wood and cast iron, c. 360 x 160 cm. Collection Protestant Church Amsterdam. Photography Robert Westera.
Grandia, A.C. en P.A. Vingerling, Kerk in de Stad (Amsterdam 1983).
Hoek, S. van der, e.a. eds., Gewoon op onze weg geplaatst: 20 jaar Keizersgrachtkerk nieuwe stijl (Amsterdam 1994).
