Maasbracht

The entry for this church in Reliwiki [https://reliwiki.nl/index.php/Maasbracht,_Kerkplein_1_-_Gertrudis] [accessed 27 December 2021] reports a late-Gothic baptismal font made of stone early 16th century with a metal cover. In a communication to BSI (e-mail of 13 December 2021) Pol herman informs: "As early as 1265 mention was made of a church in Maasbracht. The tower is 14th century, although some believe it was built in the 13th century. The church was eccentrically located in the village, on the floodplains of the Meuse. Due to its location, there was a high risk of flooding. The question arises as to why the church was built on that site. Probably with a view to the skippers who sailed the river. The church locations of Linne, Maastricht and Stevensweert are similar. The church was an appendix church of Echt. No images of this oldest church building have survived. Around 1500, the church acquired the baptismal font still present today, hewn from Namur stone. In 1695 the church was enlarged. Another extension took place in 1785 and a porch was added in 1867. In 1890 a new church was built. This church was badly damaged by British artillery fire at the end of 1944. In 1948-1949 a new church was built preserving the old tower. Bluestone, sixteenth century, brass lid of nineteenth century. Square base, eight-sided column with profiles and constrictions, on the lower square rosettes, with a curve merging into eight-sided basin. Four heads. Brass domed and profiled lid with serrated edge. Crowned with a flat lily cross."