Church of Heilige Margareta in Knokke-Heist - Discover this open and welcoming religious building

Church | 1958 | | Catholic Church

Disabled access Parking space Organ

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Opening hours

01 January - 31 December
Mon 8.00 - 18.00
Tue 8.00 - 18.00
Wed 8.00 - 18.00
Thu 8.00 - 18.00
Fri 8.00 - 18.00
Sat 8.00 - 18.00
Sun 8.30 - 17.00

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Description

The church diagonally across the station of Knokke was inaugurated in 1959. The older church from the 13th-14th century was completely demolished, the little tower not considered, because she had suffered greatly from the havoc of the Second World War. Moreover, the parish had outgrown with its eight thousand “souls”, the many tourists not included, by which an extension became necessary.

From that moment, the very active community was able to develop the church to a true meeting point with double function: worship and culture. In 1991, the tower (from 1642) was restored together with the old sundial and was crowned with a new cross and a gilded rooster.

The new church is a design by architect J. Ritzen from Antwerp and is a modern interpretation of the basilica from St. Paul outside the Walls in Rome. The intent is astonishingly logical: a spacious forecourt with to the left a closed gallery and the devotion chapel named the Fatima chapel, connected to the tower, and with to the right a gallery that leads to a catechism room. The choir is separated from the nave by a massive triumphal arch.

The traditional interior was partially replaced by and added onto with modern art installations that fit in better with the contemporary spirituality. The eye-catcher in this is a baptistery with the ‘source of life’ that entices one into contemplation.

The classified Helewout pipe organ is located on the new little rood loft in the right transept. The Organ committee in 1997 could once again add the original pipe organ closet. In 1996 the big pipe organ, the Loncke organ, was played in, and is now used not only for rite, but also for the Art Academy.

The modern technical installations allow the church to be used for concerts, receptions and occasional events. The easy removable and stackable chairs further promote this. The basements of the house of worship houses a social enterprise.

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Website Margarete parish

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Bicycleroute ‘Laveren’ between churches and chapels in Knokke-Heist

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Remarkable elements

Resurrection of Christ

The statue of the resurrected stands in an honored place above the main altar. He ascends to heaven and still remains near the people. He welcomes the visitors with open arms and gives them strength.

Baptismal font

The baptismal font echoes a baptismal well with water bubbling up. The baptistery is an oasis of tranquility and a place where you can recharge yourself. The churchgoers can place floating candles on the water during baptisms. The faithful write the names of the baptized on the little baptismal jars that are placed inside a glass display until the libertine takes place.

Altar in the middle of the church

The altar is a big table in the middle of the church. This is a symbol of hospitality: all believers are welcome. Above the altar hangs a projection screen, it is used during services to show pictures, texts, movies and sheet music. An invisible, but clearly audible sound equipment takes care of the music.

Painting of Luc Blomme

The painting of Luc Blomme, Jezus silences the storm, is a fitting piece of art that hangs nearby the little crosses to commemorate the deceased. The hand of Christ reaching over the horizon is an invitation aimed towards the Christian community. In the center of the painting the storm has settled down. Towards the edges of the painting a restless sea can still be seen.

The devotion

The statues of saints were all placed in a row during a re arrangement of the church. This was done so when one enters the church one sees all the candles burning. The light at the end of the archway adds extra depth in the perspective.

Arrangement of the chairs

As believers we gather around the table of the ascended during the service. We pray in a feeling of solidarity. The arrangement of the chairs in a semicircle heightens that connection. It doesn’t matter on which chair you take place, everything is equally visible and audible from every given chair.