The rectory (Webbekom)

Next to the church is the former rectory. Under the rule of the Austrian Emperor Joseph II, the tithe collectors of the parish were required to ensure that the religious buildings for the community and ministers were decent and solid. Before there was this rectory, the village pastors of Webbekom had no specifically allocated residence but rented a living space or built one with their own means. Some pastors even stayed in Diest and, to the displeasure of the parishioners, did not even bother to stay in Webbekom.

In 1775, before the church was rebuilt, Pastor Eggen built a rectory at this location. There was also a ‘narrow street’ there that according to the village shepherd was a ‘sheltering place for beggars and immoral people’. But when constructing the rectory, Eggen drastically improved the surroundings: he bought up the narrow street and integrated it into his building plans.

Here too, all the characteristics of a classicist residence are present. The double house is topped with a mansard roof. The central risalit has an additional floor and is crowned by a triangular pediment with a circular window. Brick predominates, but the appearance is enriched with white sandstone from Gobertange for the frames of the rectangular windows and entrance door.

For those with good eyes: you can see the following building inscription on the plinth, to the left of the entrance: ‘M. EGGEN PASTOR/ IN WEBBECOM/ 1775/ R.D./ THIBAUT RECTOR A:SP.B:/ IN MARIENDAEL.’. Thibaut was the rector of the Mariëndael monastery from Diest and one of the principal tithe collectors of the parish.

Jan Rymenams