Saint Martin's Church Volkegem

The history of the Sint-Martinus Church in Volkegem is shrouded in the mists of a very ancient past. Historian Berings is convinced that a church already existed here in the seventh century, around the year 600. At that time, it was the mother church in a large parish that also included the chapels of Pamel, Edelare, and Leupegem.
Around the year 1110, the situation had changed significantly: Volkegem was then a church property of the Abbey of Ename.
Upon entering the atmospheric building, one clearly notices that it was initially a single-nave Romanesque church that was later expanded with a side aisle. A notable feature of this church is the main altar, which consists of a 15th-century stone grave slab for Pastor Rogier van Brakel. This Rogier van Brakel was honored with a street name. The street begins at the De La Kethulle Square and runs towards Mater. The bell tower dates from the end of the seventeenth or the beginning of the eighteenth century.
The ceiling of the church was significantly beautified in the 18th century with very fine stucco decoration that incorporates the year 1725. Seven years later, the Volkegem church received a beautiful oak pulpit.
The organ dates from 1821 and was made by the Hubeau family from Nukerke. After the Second World War, the church underwent thorough restoration. During this process, the old baptismal chapel was demolished and replaced with a new one. Around 1982 - 1984, the organ and church were extensively restored. A second phase of restoration began in 1989.
Those who want to see this church at its best should view it from Bagettestraat in Volkegem, at the bend towards De la Kethulle Square. Many artists and photographers have depicted it, most recently under the impetus of VASA, the Flemish Ardennes Painters' Atelier.

Thierry De Vos