St. Mary's Chapel
Discover the history, architecture, and unique features of the chapel that has been home to Anglican Church Twente since 1979.
A chapel with
a rich history
St Mary's Chapel stands on the beautiful Weldam Estate near Markelo and has been a place of Christian worship for more than a century.
Since 1979, it has been the home of Anglican Church Twente, serving an international English-speaking congregation from across the East of the Netherlands and neighbouring Germany. While rich in history, the chapel continues to be a living place of worship where people gather every Sunday for prayer, Holy Communion, and fellowship.
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The story of
St. Mary's Chapel
St Mary's Chapel was commissioned by Count Willem Carel Philip Otto of Aldenburg Bentinck and Waldeck-Limpurg, owner of the Weldam and Middachten Estates. The chapel was designed by the English architect William Samuel Weatherley, who worked in the office of Sir George Gilbert Scott, and was completed in 1900.
The Count wished to provide a suitable place of worship for the local Evangelisation Society, whose services had previously been held in a woodshed on the estate. The chapel was consecrated on 3 June 1900 and served the local community until 1949. Although regular services later ceased, the chapel continued to be used for weddings and occasional services.
A new chapter began in 1979, when the newly founded Anglican Church Twente made St Mary's Chapel its permanent home. Since then, the chapel has welcomed worshippers from many nations and has hosted weekly Sunday services since 1996.
Architecture
Designed in the English cottage style with Gothic Revival influences, St Mary's Chapel reflects the architectural character of English country churches at the turn of the twentieth century.
Much of the building was constructed by craftsmen from the Weldam Estate using locally made bricks. The chapel's carefully designed proportions, timber roof, and traditional details have remained largely unchanged, preserving its historic character for future generations.
Interior features
The beauty of St Mary's Chapel is found not only in its architecture, but also in the thoughtful details that enrich the worship space.
Bible texts
Verses from Scripture are painted throughout the chapel using original stencil plates that are still preserved in the archives of the Weldam Estate. Together they reflect the Christian message at the heart of the chapel and remain an important part of its heritage.
Quilts
At the rear of the chapel are two large patchwork quilts created by members of St Mary's. Based on the original designs of Kim Graham, each quilt tells the story of the Christian year through twelve panels representing the months of the calendar and their associated biblical themes.
One quilt was dedicated in 2000 to Norman Walker, the church's much-loved organist for twenty years, while the companion quilt was completed in 2001.
Sculptures & Decorations
The chapel also contains sculptures and other decorative features that complement its worship space. Together with the Bible texts and quilts, they reflect the faith, creativity, and dedication of generations of congregation members who have cared for St Mary's over the years.
St. Mary's Chapel today
More than 125 years after its consecration, St Mary's Chapel continues to fulfil the purpose for which it was built—a place where people gather to worship God.
Every Sunday, the chapel welcomes an international congregation for Anglican worship in English. It is also the setting for baptisms, weddings, seasonal celebrations, concerts, and community events throughout the year.
Whether you are visiting to worship, attend an event, or simply appreciate its history and architecture, you are always warmly welcome.
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Visit St. Mary's Chapel
We would be delighted to welcome you to one of our Sunday services or special events.
