Nothing stands in the way of the major renovation of the damaged Church of Peace in Bergen aan Zee. Thanks to the fundraising campaign, enough money was raised to repair the damaged facades and walls. “We even received a little more, but we can use that money,” says treasurer Dick Sluis.
The facades and walls of the church have been seriously damaged over the years. The salty sea wind causes the outer layer and the joints to crumble further and further. The red bricks are also discoloured. “It concerns serious erosion due to years of storage of salt and moisture in the facades. This is an irreversible process,” Sluis previously stated.
The restoration costs of the monument come with a hefty price tag. According to the management foundation MAD, the total costs are around 300,000 euros.
Because it is a provincial monument, the province is providing a substantial amount of around 125,000 euros,” Sluis explains to media partner Regional city Central. Rabobank and the Friends of the Peace Church foundation have also made a large amount available.
Text continues below the photo
However, this did not cover all costs. That is why a fundraising campaign was set up. For 20 euros it was possible to sponsor one of the 14,300 stones. “That campaign has been very successful thanks to residents and entrepreneurs. It confirms our belief that the Peace Church fulfills an important function on a cultural and social level. Not only in Bergen aan Zee, but also further in our region.”
Fund for setbacks
Even more was collected than necessary, but that is a good thing, says Sluis. “Such a building always needs maintenance and restoration. And restoration always has setbacks, of course. The money goes to the ‘unforeseen’ item.”
Text continues below the photo..
Now that there is enough money to restore the beloved church, work on the facades can begin. These are expected to start in early March and last three months.
Serious job
“Several facades are being demolished and re-bricked. The stone stairs at the front, the water pump and the two pilasters at the entrance gate are being renovated,” Sluis explains. “Parts of the interior plasterwork on the west side will also be renewed. All in all, a serious job.”