Nieuw Scheemda: Church, Organ and Mills

Church architecture, the organ and mill history offer different ways to explore Nieuw Scheemda’s regional heritage. If you are planning your stay around a particular theme, you can focus on the Kerk Nieuw Scheemda, the organ by Arp Schnitger, or the technology and history of the mills. Features range from pointed-arch windows to water-moving screw pumps.

Church and organ

The Kerk Nieuw Scheemda is a traditional hall church with a flat east end and pointed-arch windows in its side walls. The term “hall church” draws attention to the shape of the interior; the flat east end and windows add further architectural features. Several specific aspects of the church are therefore worth noting, without reducing its architecture to just one feature.

The church houses an organ built by Arp Schnitger in 1695. The building’s design and the instrument thus offer two distinct perspectives: the form of the church interior and the history of its precisely dated organ.

The year 1659 is an important reference point in the town’s history. That year, the Reformed congregation of Nieuw-Scheemda began building a new church after part of the land reclaimed from the Dollart was separated from Scheemda. The separation of the land and the construction of the church are therefore part of the same historical context.

Mills and their stories

The Westerse Molen stands on the western side of Nieuw-Scheemda and dates from 1862. As a polder mill, it has two screw pumps capable of moving large volumes of water. Alongside its construction date, the water technology offers a tangible way to explore its history.

The history of the Molen de Dellen is closely tied to the surrounding landscape. The present mill was built in 1855 after its predecessor burned down. It was moved to its current location beside the Tichelwaark polder after the polder had been drained. The Molen de Dellen is one of only three surviving polder mills in the Oldambt.

The Paaltjasker Nieuw Scheemda is the only paaltjasker in Groningen. In early 2001, it was moved to a new site near the Molen de Dellen in Nieuw-Scheemda; it was put back into operation on 1 June of the same year. In this case, both the type of mill and its relocation are part of the story.

Operation and planning your visit

If you would like to see a mill in motion, keep the conditions for each one in mind. The Westerse Molen still turns regularly thanks to restoration work and the efforts of volunteers; however, whether it turns depends on the conditions. You can also see the Paaltjasker in action during a visit to Nieuw-Scheemda, weather permitting. If its operation matters to your plans, check the situation before your visit.

Near Nieuw-Scheemda, the Ommetje Westerse Molen starts and ends at Galerie Waarkunst, where parking is available. If you are planning to walk the route, check the route logistics before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Scheemda, Drieborg, Finsterwolde, Oudezijl, Nieuweschans, Westerlee, Oostwold Gem Oldambt, Winschoten

For the wider travel overview: Oldambt.