Protestantse Gemeente van Aruba: A Historical Beacon of Faith
Discover Aruba's oldest church: a serene sanctuary blending historical architecture with a welcoming spiritual community in the heart of Oranjestad.
The Protestantse Gemeente van Aruba stands as a testament to the island's diverse religious history and architectural evolution. The congregation was established in 1822, and initially, services were held in a private home. In 1844, the community purchased a house from the Arends family on Wilhelminastraat, which then served as both a residence and a place of worship. In 1845, this house was torn down, and a dedicated church was constructed, incorporating stones from the original building. Completed in 1846, the church became known as 'De Kerk aan de Baay' (the church on the bay) because the coastline was closer to the church then. Over the years, the church has undergone several renovations, including the addition of a bell tower in 1867 and a portico in 1910. By 1950, a larger, new church was built next to the original one to accommodate the growing congregation. The old church was then repurposed and, after renovations in the 1980s and 90s, now serves as an exhibition and concert hall. It also houses the A. van den Doel Bible Museum, which features a collection of historical Bibles and religious artifacts. The museum is named after Anthonie van den Doel, a minister who served the church from 1983 to 2001. Today, the Protestantse Gemeente van Aruba continues to be an active and welcoming community. Visitors are drawn to its serene atmosphere and historical significance, making it a unique landmark in Oranjestad.
Local tips
- Check the church's website for service times and special events, including concerts and exhibitions, held in the historic building.
- Visit the A. van den Doel Bible Museum located in the old church to view its collection of historical Bibles and religious artifacts.
- Take a moment to appreciate the architecture of both the old and new church buildings, reflecting Aruba's Dutch heritage and religious history.
A brief summary to Protestantse Gemeente van Aruba
- Wilhelminastraat 1, Oranjestad, Oranjestad-West, AW
- +2975603284
Getting There
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Walking
The Protestantse Gemeente van Aruba is located on Wilhelminastraat 1 in Oranjestad. From the city center, such as the Main Street (Caya Betico Croes), walk east on Wilhelminastraat. The church will be on your left.
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Public Transport
Arubus, the local bus service, has routes that stop near the city center of Oranjestad. From the central bus station, which is next to the cruise terminal and Royal Plaza, walk east on Wilhelminastraat to reach the church. A single bus fare is approximately Afl 2.25 (about $1.30 USD).
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Oranjestad. A short taxi ride from the cruise terminal or a hotel in the city center to the church should cost around $7-$10 USD. Note that there may be a surcharge of $3.00 on Sundays, official holidays, and from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
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Parking
If driving, parking is available in downtown Oranjestad. Paid parking is enforced from Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 7 PM. Parking spaces are marked with white lines. Payment can be made with local or U.S. coins, or by credit card at certain machines. Hourly rates are approximately Afl 2.00 (about $1.14 USD). Free parking spaces are available behind the Arubus main station.
