Churches and towers Oldambt

In the 12th century, a settlement comprising simple farmhouses sprang up in the peatlands. In the 13th century, the village acquired a sturdy church with a free-standing tower in the Romanesque-Gothic style. Surrounding this settlement were rye fields, pastures and hay meadows. In the 16th century, the people of Scheemden were forced to abandon their village to the advancing waters of the Dollard. They then rebuilt the settlement, including nieuwe kerk.

The Reformed congregation of Nieuw-Scheemda began building a nieuwe kerk in 1659. Little remains of the original church today. For instance, the façade was replaced in 1906 and now resembles the façades of gentry houses from that period. The church building was renovated in 2008. During this renovation, the blue-green colour was restored to the ceiling. The pews were also refurbished and a wood-effect finish was applied. The rest of the interior is simple; there is an iron alms box, and next to the pulpit hangs a small whip used to chase away dogs.

The church in Finsterwolde was built in the 13th century. It was renovated around 1586 and houses an organ dating from 1807 or 1808. This organ was built by the renowned organ builder H. H. Freytag. In 2012, the church and tower were restored. A distinctive feature of this church is that the tower stands separately from the church building. Church services are still held regularly here on Sundays.

The church and cemetery of Nieuw Beerta are situated on the main road between Beerta and Bad Nieuweschans. The church dates from 1856 and, a year later, was fitted with the organ that is still in use today. This church is richly decorated and has a beautiful neck-shaped façade. The church has recently been fully restored as part of the Landmerken project. Concerts are held regularly in this church.

The church on Marktplein in Winschoten was built in the 13th century. Its Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles, the stained-glass windows and the oil paintings with biblical themes make the church special. Another unique feature is the Witte organ, dating from 1868. The console is situated to the side of the organ. Do also take a look inside the free-standing tower, d’Olle Witte. If you make the climb to the top, you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent view over Winschoten.

Midwolda got its church tower in 1708. A large swinging bell hangs in it. The bell survived the Second World War. This bell is one of the few surviving bells of the ^19th century. Construction of the church was completed in 1738. The church is simple. In the choir of the church are ten old tombstones of ministers, dignitaries and churchwardens. The oldest is from 1625. Nowadays, concerts are mainly held in this church.

The Reformed Church in Oostwold stands at the end of a driveway on the Kerksingel. The inscription above the entrance states that the church was built in 1775. It is striking how many similarities this church shares with the Nieuwe Kerk in the city of Groningen. In 1882, the church was extended in several places. The organ in the church dates from 1811. It was built by organ builders H.H. Freytag and J.W. Timpe.