About the Jacobus Church
The centerpiece is the Gothic Jacobus church (1506) on the Lange Reke. A Romanesque chapel probably stood at this place earlier. The main altar was dedicated to Jacobus de Meerdere, the saint of Santiago de Compostella. The church is included in the age-old pilgrim route to Spain. The fair of Renesse is traditionally always held around July 25, the name day of Jacobus.
The pulpit dates from the 17th century and comes from the church of Elkerzee that was not rebuilt after the flood disaster. In the painted iron coffin (17th century) that stands next to the pulpit, the silver sacrament used to be preserved. Five crosses can be seen on the very old altar stone under the sacrament table. They refer to the five wounds of Jesus. The organ (930 pipes) was built in 1882 by the Oberlinger company in Windesheim. The church has five mourning signs, two coat of arms and 23 loose weapons, all from the second half of the 18th century and rare for Zeeland as a collection.
In the tower hangs a bell by Pieter van Dormen from 1458 with the following inscription: Salvatrix seculi, Stella maris succure ora nobis (Savior of the century, Star of the sea was our help). On the north side is the adjoining octagonal stair tower, together with the tower depicts this Maria with child. You can climb the tower in June on Wednesday morning and in July and August also on Saturday morning.
Concerts (free entry) in the church: every Thursday evening from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. The church is open daily (except Monday) in July and August from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The church is also open from 7 pm to 10 pm during the evening markets.
Church services The reformed church service in the Jacobus church is held on Sunday at 9.30 a.m. German-speaking church services: every Sunday at 11 a.m.
Pastor is ds. P. Goodijk.
More information can be found at www.kerkrenessenoordwelle.nl