Pilgrim Fathers Church, Rotterdam

From its side, the Old or Pilgrim Fathers’ Church can almost blend into the historic buildings around it. So, for the clearest view, step to the opposite side of the canal and look back. Note the church's broad, curved Regency-style façade, tall arched windows, and the small bell tower rising above the roof. The first church on this site was completed in 1417; after the Reformation, it passed to the Protestant congregation in 1574.

The harbor directly in front of the church is closely associated with the English religious refugees, who later came to be known as the Pilgrim Fathers. They came to Delfshaven in 1620 to board a ship called “Speedwell” bound for North America. Eventually, they had to board another one called “Mayflower.” Tradition holds that, prior to their departure, the Pilgrims gathered in prayer near this church.

Inside, stand near the entrance and face straight ahead. The church is oriented traditionally, with the chancel at the eastern end, directly in front of you. White arches separate the central nave from the side aisles, giving the interior its unusually light and spacious appearance.

Walking toward the chancel, you will come to the church's main focal point: the 18th-century Regency-style pulpit. It stands inside a rectangular enclosure, traditionally used by the church council during services and also for baptisms.

As you face the pulpit, look along the walls for the name boards recording the church's ministers, from 1574 onward. Near the chancel, the large wooden panel on the left displays the Ten Commandments, while the corresponding panel on the right carries the Twelve Articles of Faith.

Now, look toward the choir area at the far end. Its stained-glass windows depict the six days of Creation: the left-hand window represents the first three days, and the right-hand one - the final three. Then, turn toward the left, or north, transept. Its window shows the Speedwell, making this one of the easiest Pilgrim-related details to identify.

Finally, look for the church's historic bells. The large bell cast in 1464, known as Maria, was removed from the tower after it cracked in 1989 and is now preserved inside. Above you, the small tower houses the modern 44-bell carillon, completed in 1989-a reminder that the church is not simply a Pilgrim memorial, but a place with more than six centuries of religious and local history.