After a major renovation that began in 2023, the house of worship of the Local Congregation of Dordrecht, Netherlands, under the supervision of the Ecclesiastical District of Central Europe, was dedicated to the Lord God during a worship service on October 27, 2024, Brother Joel Catalan, the district supervising minister, officiated the sacred event.

The said house of worship is located at 110 Oudendijk Dordrecht, Netherlands. The building was purchased by the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) from a Protestant sect in the Netherlands.

Prior to having their own house of worship, brethren in the said congregation held worship services in a rented building located at 12 S.M. Hugo van Gijnweg, 3317 JM Dordrecht, Netherlands.

During the Bible-based preaching, Brother Catalan reminded the brethren how blessed they are to have their own house of worship. They are to take care of and love the holy edifice. For, it is where they worship the Father, thus a place to find solace in times of troubles.

In an interview, the supervising minister said, “This is another manifestation of God’s ever-present help for all the works of the Church. While the number of brethren increases, so is the need for more houses of worship. At the forefront of this work is our beloved leader, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo. We thank him for always looking after our welfare.”

Brother Catalan also exhorted the attendees to never waver in their conviction to please God. They need to endure all tests in life to attain maturity in their faith.

A pioneering member in Dordrecht, secretariat officer Emerlita De Slegte, said, “I remember the early years of the Church here. We had to cross borders back then to worship. I’m so grateful to the Father for granting this house of worship where the brethren here will further furnish their faith.”

“I couldn’t believe it at first that finally we have our own house of worship where we can always come into to pray to the Almighty God. It is where we will always congregate to worship Him. We’ve awaited and prayed for this moment. It has made us stronger in the faith,” said Marlon Villaroel, head deacon, on behalf of the congregation.  — With assistance from Eva-Marie Krause