Hippolytuskerk

The church and tower were built in the Romanesque style in the 12th century from tuff, which can still be seen in the base of the tower and the choir. In the 13th and 14th centuries, the church was enlarged in the then current Gothic style and the tower was raised, creating the brick spire. The roof construction with a brick spire is unique and can only be found in about 20 other church towers in the Northern Netherlands. In a very heavy storm in 1674, the nave of the church collapsed and the tower was cut in half. The restoration came about in 1676 thanks to the (obligatory!) help from the towns of the Noorderkwartier, mentioned in the stained glass window by glazier Claes van der Meulen in the north facade. The oak pulpit, baptismal gate and copper chandeliers are also from this period. According to the inscription on the clock itself, the bell in the tower was cast in 1440 by the Utrecht clockmaker Butendiic. The organ was built in 1870 by the Amsterdam organ builder Hermanus Knipscheer. In 2022 it was completely restored, preserving its almost authentic state. On August 13, 1893, on the name day of Saint Hippolytus, the choir collapsed. Restoration took place in 1897. An extra meeting room was also created on the 1st floor, for which the rear wall and balcony (including the organ) were moved forward. Moreover, from that moment on, the church was equipped with state-of-the-art gas lighting. In 1975 and 1999 the church was restored again. On the latter occasion, the Wieringer artist Piet Lont was commissioned for a new stained glass window in the south facade of the church. The last renovation dates from 2015. On that occasion, the rear wall of the church hall was moved a little further, creating space for the kitchen, the toilet group and a lift. Church, tower and organ are registered in the monument register as national monuments. The Friends of the Hippolytus Church Foundation organizes cultural activities with several concerts and exhibitions. In the summer months the church is open for visitors. The Protestant municipality of Wieringen traditionally celebrates worship services on Sunday morning. Sources: Text provided by the Friends of the Hippolytuskerk Foundation