Marekerk, Leiden

Marekerk in Leiden, the Netherlands, was such an attractive, baroque-looking structure, that I imagined it to be Roman Catholic. Yet it was built during a time (1639-59) of fervent Continental Protestantism, and remains a Reformed church to this day. Perhaps I have fallen for the old lie that only Catholics can erect nice buildings; this is certainly the impression one gains when visiting Rome, though not, I think, the City of London.

More beautiful still is some of Marekerk’s mid-week activities, such as its ‘Bible Circles’:

Church members come together to read and discuss a part of the Bible, to sing and pray together. In addition, a circle is a meeting place where people know each other well; a 'church' in miniature. The circles in the Marekerk congregation are organized centrally.

More beautiful than an old and historic building is the studying, learning and living of God’s word, the Bible.

Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts. Jeremiah 15:16