St. Joseph Chapel

Years ago, there was a field chapel in Lennisheuvel. At least, that was the story. Nobody knew exactly where the prayer house had stood, and actually, nobody was sure if the story was based on truth. After some persistent residents conducted research, they discovered that there had been a chapel on Brede Heide. Once the evidence for this, in the form of an old map, was provided, a decision was made to build a new chapel.

The story begins in November 1981 when Caspar Willers and his wife Ria moved to Lennisheuvel. Cees Nooren casually told them that there must have been a chapel near their house long ago. Cees had heard this from Jaan Vissers, the previous resident of the house. Initially, nothing was done with Cees Nooren's story. But as Caspar became more interested in the history of Lennisheuvel, the idea grew to bring back the chapel in Lennisheuvel. Preferably at the site or at least as close as possible to the location where the chapel had once stood. According to an old hand-drawn map, this is near the current intersection of Lennisheuvel-Armehoefstraat.

Once the decision had been made, after much discussion, to actually build the chapel, developments progressed quickly. A steering committee was established consisting of Mr. Fred de Jong (chairman), Harry Eijkemans (secretary), Ad vd Breekel (on behalf of the Rond Kerk and Orion Foundation), Henk van Oosterhout (on behalf of St. Theresia parish), Paul Simons (architect), Cees Nooren, and Caspar Willers. Subsequently, an appointment was made with alderman Ger vd Oetelaar, who promised the steering group full cooperation. He also promised to help with financing through the Regional Account Het Groene Woud. When the municipality also designated a piece of land and was willing to adjust the zoning plan for the construction of a chapel, architect Simons got to work.

The residents of Lennisheuvel were presented with two designs: a chapel in Romanesque style and a chapel with a Gothic character. The latter received the most votes, perhaps precisely because of the tasteful combination of styles. The structure is Gothic, the windows are Romanesque, and the gate is designed in Art Deco style. Also, the patron saint was chosen democratically by the residents. They were allowed to express a motivated preference for one of the following candidates: St. Anthony, Three Kings, St. Francis, St. Joseph, and St. James. St. Joseph, the partner of Mary and foster father of baby Jesus, was ultimately chosen as the most appealing patron saint for the chapel in Lennisheuvel.

The St. Joseph Chapel was almost entirely built by volunteers. Respecting all other volunteers, the name of executor Leo van den Heuvel should not go unmentioned. Henk van Oosterhout and Henk van de Sloot also did a lot of work. Thanks to all the volunteers who contributed to the construction of the St. Joseph Chapel. Thanks also to all the companies and individuals who provided financial or material contributions to the construction of the St. Joseph Chapel. The lion's share comes from the Regional Account Het Groene Woud and the Province of North Brabant. But the builders are also grateful to smaller sponsors, such as the lady who donated the statue of St. Joseph. Caspar, Paul, and all the other people involved in the construction of the chapel are very proud of the end result. The St. Joseph Chapel is an architectural masterpiece. A work of art that resonates with the religious-nostalgic feelings of the initiators: a place for rest and reflection; the rebirth of a historic gem in the church village of Lennisheuvel.

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