Oldekerk

Oldekerk (Dutch: [ˈɔldəˌkɛr(ə)k]; Gronings: Ollekèrk) is a village in the Dutch province of Groningen. It is located in the municipality of Westerkwartier, about 15 km west of the city of Groningen.

Oldekerk Ollekèrk (Gronings)
Village
Bell tower of Oldekerk
Flag Coat of arms
Oldekerk Location of Oldekerk in Groningen in the Netherlands Show map of Groningen (province) Oldekerk Oldekerk (Netherlands) Show map of Netherlands
Coordinates: 53°13′10″N 6°20′20″E
Country	Netherlands
Province	Groningen
Municipality	Westerkwartier
Area [1]
• Total	20.41 km2 (7.88 sq mi)
Elevation [2]	0.6 m (2.0 ft)
Population  (2021)[1]
• Total	1,540
• Density	75/km2 (200/sq mi)
Postal code	9821[1]
Dialing code	0594

Oldekerk was a separate municipality until 1990, when it was merged with Grootegast.^[3]

History

The village was first mentioned in 1320 as Aeldakerka, and means "old church". Olde- ('old') has been added to distinguish between Niekerk.^[4]

The Reformed church was demolished in the 17th century. Only a bell tower remained standing. The bell tower was rebuilt in 1939.^[5] In 1856, a Reformed Church was built and replaced in 1966.^[6]

Oldekerk was home to 442 people in 1840. It used to be an independent municipality until 1990, when it was merged into Grootegast. In 2019, it became part of Westerkwartier.^[5]