Church of Onze-Lieve-Vrouw in Mannekensvere (Middelkerke) - Discover this open and welcoming religious building

Church | 1924-1925 | Neogothic | Catholic Church

Disabled access Parking space

Map

Opening hours

01 May - 30 September
Mon 10.00 - 16.00
Tue 10.00 - 16.00
Wed 10.00 - 16.00
Thu 10.00 - 16.00
Fri 10.00 - 16.00
Sat 10.00 - 16.00
Sun 10.00 - 16.00

Religious offices

Description

The robust Church of Our Lady of Mannekensvere in typical yellow brick of polder clay is surrounded by a cemetery.

It is a three nave neogothic cental hall church thanks to a design from 1922, with an older tower from 1860. The building replaces a medieval church that was destroyed during the First World War, when almost the whole village was vanished. During the Second World War the village suffered also and was put completely under water.

Thanks to the order of the Knights Templars, who had a lot of properties and rights in this region, already early a chapel was built in Mannekensvere, that was transformed into this church of full value. The order of Knights Templars was a religious order of knighthood that during the crusade made the Holy War upon the Muslims in the Holy Land.

The west tower has a pavilion-roof. Outside the church, at the north side, you can see an image of Christ beneath a porch. The interior is white-washed underneath a sharp arched roof in wood. The sober furniture is made by the art technical school of Maredsous in 1925. The altars are made in a lightly art-deco style.

Mannekensvere itself arised, probably in the first half of the 12th century, along the road of communication Nieuport-Bruges. It was so named thanks to the proximity of the Yser where there was the shipping traffic from Ieper to Nieuport. Upon payment people could use the ferry-boat across the Yser. Mannekin was probably his earl’s captain of the ferry.

KIKIRPA : Photo-library online

Tourism Middelkerke

Cycle route 'Geloof en Bijgeloof'

Cycle route 'Tempeliers'

Photos

Remarkable elements

Font

After being damaged, the old basin was placed on a new base.

Harmonium

The harmonium bears the name and address of Jacob Alexandre, one of three top harmonium builders in France. Between 1829 and 1851 the firm’s work place was Boulevard de Bonne Nouvelle, proof that the instrument dates from that period.

High altar

In 1925 the art and craft school of the benedictine abbey in Maredsous made the church furniture. The school was established to promote the craft of making liturgical wood and marble furniture and goldsmithing. The aim was to create a new kind of religious art, sober and straight and therefore appearing very modern. The old high altar was cut out of pink marble. It consists of an altar tomb, a candle holder ridge and a tabernacle. The front has a mosaic showing Chiro (XP), symbol of Christ. The tabernacle doors with two angels are in beaten copper.

Altar and lectern

The new altar and lectern are composed of parts of the communion rail and pulpit. The altar carries scenes of the Eucharist. On the front: 5 loaves and 2 fish and the source of grace. On the back: the pelican and wafers. The lectern has three central figures: the prophet Eliah, Christ healing a cripple, and Moses radiating light. Thanks to pastor Achiel Baert (1920-1933) this remarkable collection of church furniture was brought together here in this small village of 210 inhabitants, totally destroyed in WWI.

Old tombstone

Next to the altar of Saint Hubert stands an old tombstone against the wall. It originates from a former rectory. Many have heard of the sermons of the “pastor of Mannekensvere” who swore the oath of allegiance to the French regime and who delivered his sermons in twisted words and sentences. Humor was a powerful weapon against the occupying forces.

Belgian military cemetery

The church, dating from 1860, was destroyed during WWI and rebuilt in 1924-1925. In the church yard is a small Belgian military cemetery on the south side of the church.