Lokhorstkerk (Lokhorst Church), Leiden

The Lokhorst Church, located in the Pieterswijk district of central Leiden, is a significant religious and historical landmark in South Holland. This national monument is used by the combined Mennonite and Remonstrant congregations for worship, and its rich history dates back to the Middle Ages.

The site of the Lokhorst Church once formed part of the grounds associated with the Counts of Holland, adjacent to the medieval Pieterskerk. Notably, Floris V, a Count of Holland, was born on these grounds. During the 16th century, the Lockhorst House, connected to Lockhorst Castle in Leusden, stood here. After its demolition around 1600, the area was divided into smaller plots.

In 1613 and 1638, the Waterland Mennonite Congregation purchased land on this site, and construction of the church hall began in 1638. The basement of the former Lockhorst House was repurposed as the church's cloakroom. The church reached its current dimensions in 1648 with the addition of a section behind the iconic white pillars.

For much of its early history, the Lokhorst Church operated as a clandestine church, reflecting the restrictive policies toward certain religious groups in the Netherlands before 1795. To maintain discretion, the building lacks a church tower and features an entrance shielded from direct view of Peter's Church Street (Pieterskerkstraat). In the church’s interior, women's seats were positioned centrally for safety, with men seated around them.

The interior was renovated in 1859-1860 by architect J.W. Schaap, modernizing the space while retaining its historical charm. A former sexton’s house became the Vermeer Room, and an adjoining alley was enclosed as a corridor.

The Lokhorst Church houses a remarkable organ, built in 1774 by Johannes Mitterreither and adorned with late Rococo-style ornaments by Johannes Schadé. Expanded by Lambertus van Dam in 1807 and relocated during the 1860 renovation, it was restored in 1999 by Flentrop to its 1807 configuration with 15 stops, two manuals, and an attached pedal, along with its original 1774 painted finish.

Beyond religious services, the Lokhorst Church serves as a cultural venue. It hosts performances by groups such as the Bach Choir Holland, enhancing its role as a community hub.