Saint Apollonia
Sint-Apolloniaplein
9660 Elst (Brakel)
Church | XVI-XVIII | Classical | Catholic Church
Map
Opening hours
01 January - 31 December
Mon 9.00 - 17.00
Tue 9.00 - 17.00
Wed 9.00 - 17.00
Thu 9.00 - 17.00
Fri 9.00 - 17.00
Sat 9.00 - 17.00
Sun 9.00 - 17.00
Religious offices
Description
Elst is a small picturesque village in a valley region of the Zwalm. The Church of Saint Apollonia is located on a 96 m tall height. The west tower in the late Gothic style dates from the beginning of the 16th century. Remarkable features include the alternating bands of white sandstone and bricks. The nave was constructed in 1775-1777. During this period, the choir was also redecorated, while at that time the church received its current patron saint. Because in the Middle Ages the church had been consecrated to the Holy Virgin.
The church is primarily in the Classic style. The choir houses a marble floor that is remarkable for its shape of a star in black and white.
The interior, primarily Classical, combines altars from the 17th century (the lateral altars came from the cloister of the Urbanists of Petegem) with panelling from the 18th century, as well as with communion rails, the cathedra, the confessionals and a series of paintings, two of which refer to the martyrdom of the patron saint. Surprising features include the plasters, painted in pastel shades, and the Rococo stuccos.
The organ was produced by the Lovaert company in 1848 and transformed by the Loncke company in 1957.
During the last ten years the parish has added contemporary elements to the interior of the church, among them some paintings, “The Works of Charity” by Pat De Vylder, a statue of the Virgin, a cross and a lectern by Georges Herregods.
Photos
Remarkable elements
Statue of Saint Apollonia
The statue in the recess is composed of demolition material (1998) by Raymond Ceuppens. The background painting refers to torture practices through the ages.
Stations of the Cross
The 14 “biblical Stations of the Cross” by priest-artist Georges Herregods, were specifically made in 2006 for this church in Elst. He wanted to show a more modern version of the Passion and give it a more biblical content. He consciously deviated from the traditional protrayal and each Station carries a passage from the Bible.
Modern altar in 18th century chancel
The choir stalls and panelling date from 1770. The current altar is made in stoneware with saltglaze by Georges Herregods (1988). The base is shaped like a chalice and the inscription in latin translates as “before offering, go and reconcile yourself with your brother”, and shows two people embracing.
Painting: “Torture of Saint Apollonia” by Johannes Wickert (Cologne 1998)
Apollonia was tortured to death in 249 A.D. Her teeth were punched out and she was burned alive. Here she is shown standing in front of a rampaging mob. Reactions are different when people are part of an anonymous crowd. We see grinning tronies, jeering lips and pointing fingers, fingers steeped in blood.
Set of 7 paintings (2006)
With these paintings Pat De Vijlder depicts the “7 acts of mercy”: feeding the hungry, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, visit the sick, set free the imprisoned, bury the dead, give water to the thirsty. Manu Verhulst added a text+ of meditation to each scene.
