Grote Kerk

The church of Apeldoorn was first located on the Raadhuisplein, in the heart of the city centre. King Willem I thought this was too far from his palace and therefore gave the people of Apeldoorn a new church building, about halfway between the palace and the village of Apeldoorn. That church was lost in a major fire in 1890 and this Grote Kerk was built on its foundation in 1892. The first stone was laid by Princess Wilhelmina. She and her mother also attended the first church service. Queen Wilhelmina also visited the church regularly later on. The church contains the so-called Koninginnebank.
The statue of Queen Wilhelmina in front of the entrance to the Grote Kerk was made on the occasion of the 100th inauguration date of Queen Wilhelmina.

The Grote Kerk of Apeldoorn has historical ties with Het Loo Palace and has a visibly rich, royal past.
In 1842, a so-called Waterstaatskerk was built between the village of Apeldoorn and Het Loo Palace to replace the Village Church in the center. The location was partly determined by King William I who wanted a church closer to his palace. He also made funds and land available. In 1892 this church burned down completely. A new church was built in Neo-Renaissance style on the remaining foundations.

In 1842 a so-called Waterstaat church was built on the site of the Grote Kerk. This was completely destroyed by a fire in 1890. Two years later, a new church was built on the foundations by the firm Chris Wegerif to a design in neo-Renaissance style by Rotterdam architect Jan Verheul. On April 16, 1891, the then 10-year-old Princess Wilhelmina laid the foundation stone. She also attended the first church service with her mother Queen Emma on Sunday 25 September 1892. Until her death, Queen Wilhelmina regularly prayed in the Grote Kerk.

The church was renovated in 1960 and adapted to the style of the time. In 1970, due to the poor condition of the building, it was considered demolishing the church. In response, the Friends of the Great Church Foundation was established. The purpose of this foundation was to restore the building and the organ to its original state. Demolition was eventually abandoned and the church was also given the status of a national monument.

(en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grote_Kerk_(Apeldoorn))