Attenrode / Atorode / Aetrode

The present 18th-century baptismal font is listed and illustrated in BALaT KIK-IRPA [https://balat.kikirpa.be/object/5002] [accessed 20 January 2026]: "doopvont [...] Date: 1701 (onzeker) - 1800 (onzeker)".
A communication to BSI from Pol Herman (e-mail of 8 December 2025) informs: "Atorode, Aetrode, 1145: apud aterode. Attenrode was a small village, dependent on the court of nearby Kapellen. The claims of the chapter of St. John of Liège were confirmed in 1186 by Pope Urban III, who reigned from November 25, 1185, to October 20, 1187. In the Middle Ages, pastors were therefore appointed by the Chapter of St. John the Evangelist of Liège. The church was a quarter chapel. In 1575, the church had three bells. In 1623, the inhabitants of Attenrode sought refuge in the church, where they also transferred their belongings to keep them out of the hands of Spanish soldiers. Nevertheless, the latter plundered the church. The ciborium, however, escaped their plunder because the pastor of Attenrode had brought the treasure to safety in Tienen. The ruined tower was rebuilt in 1659. In 1705, troops of John Churchill, the Duke of Marlborough, who had breached the defense line of the French-Spanish troops at Wange, broke open the church door of Attenrode and stole the entire grain stock from the villagers, who had hidden it in the church for safekeeping. In 1724, lightning caused a fierce fire. The old church was a small building, 10 by 6 meters. It dated from the mid-17th century. The present church owes its appearance a very drastic renovation in 1911. The tower, dating from 1659, was adapted to the new church. Baptismal records exist since 1619. There is a 18th-century baptismal font. No information of older font. https://balat.kikirpa.be/object/5002".