St. Peter's Church

The Norbertines of the Abbey of Vicoigne acquired possessions in the IJzerpolders in 1161, namely a sheepfold. The possessions came under the protection of Count Diederik van de Elzas around 1170-1180. In 1219, Stuivekenskerke was mentioned as an independent parish. The church was then located in present-day Oud-Stuivekenskerke. In 1247, a cemetery was consecrated, where only monks were allowed to be buried.

In 1566, during the religious wars, the church and monastery were looted. A new church tower may have been built in 1572. In 1596, the monastery domain was fortified as part of the anti-penetration line that was meant to defend the region against incursions from the -then still Calvinist- Ostend. In 1604, Ostend was recaptured, making this line unnecessary.

In 1643, the St. Peter's Church was expanded with a northern aisle, dedicated to Our Lady. The occupation by the French in 1794 marked the end of the monastery. The possessions were declared forfeited and sold in 1797. The monastery domain became a estate with a farm, the Viconia Kasteelhoeve.

In 1870, the old St. Peter's Church was demolished, while preserving the west tower from 1572. This tower, topped with a brick spire, was classified as a monument in 1897, and restored around 1900. A new church was built a few kilometers further north, near the Viconia estate. Around this church, Nieuw-Stuivekenskerke developed, which is now known as Stuivekenskerke.

The First World War led to the destruction of Nieuw-Stuivekenskerke, including the new church. This village was occupied by the Germans and served as a support point. The Belgian army had a support point in Oud-Stuivekenskerke, where the tower remnants were used as an observation post. The inundation of the IJzer plain made further German advance impossible. Oud- and Nieuw-Stuivekenskerke were situated on small islands.

After the war, it was impossible to rebuild the tower of Oud-Stuivekenskerke on site, as its remnants had been integrated into a war memorial. The church of (Nieuw)-Stuivekenskerke was considered to have little monumental value and would not be rebuilt as such. Ultimately, the new St. Peter's Church was built from 1924-1930. The design of the church drew inspiration from that of Oeren, while the tower became a reconstruction of the monumental tower from Oud-Stuivekenskerke.

Building[edit | edit source text]

It concerns a brick pseudo-basilica with a protruding west tower. This tower has four levels and a brick spire. It is flanked by an octagonal stair turret. The choir has a straight choir closure.

Interior[edit | edit source text]

The interior is vaulted with a wooden spitstone vault. The church furniture is designed in art deco style. There are paintings and stained glass windows.

SOURCE: St. Peter's Church (Stuivekenskerke) - Wikipedia

Joris Broché