Sint-Antoniuskerk

Sint-Antoniuskerk is a modest parish church in Houtem, a district of the city of Vilvoorde in Flemish Brabant, standing at Karel Trekelsstraat 48. Its full name is Sint-Antonius Abtkerk (Church of St. Anthony the Abbot), and despite its unassuming exterior, it carries over two and a half centuries of history along with several protected heritage features.

Where does this church come from?

The community of Houtem was originally served by Ter Kameren Abbey (Abbaye de la Cambre) near Brussels, which also oversaw the construction of an earlier chapel on the site. In 1775, that chapel was thoroughly rebuilt, giving rise to the small church that stands today. The coat of arms of the abbess of the time, Serafina Snoy, is still visible on the building — a direct trace of that founding endowment.

What does the architecture look like?

The building is geographically oriented, with its choir facing east, and takes the form of a classicist hall church. It was built in sandstone, with a plinth made of the harder ferruginous variety of the same stone. A defining feature is the west tower, built into the main body of the church and topped with a slender, tapering spire. The choir is closed on three sides, and the west façade is crowned with a triangular pediment, a hallmark of classicist design.

What is inside the church?

The interior holds several notable pieces. An 18th-century painting depicts the disciples on the road to Emmaus, a biblical scene commonly rendered in church art of the period. Alongside it stands a wooden figure of St. Anthony, carved in 1775 — the same year as the rebuilding of the church itself, suggesting the sculpture and the building were conceived as part of a single commission.

The church's organ occupies a special place in its history. The instrument dates from 1710, making it older than the current building, which means it was carried over or preserved from the earlier chapel. In 1742, the organ was almost entirely rebuilt by Gilliam Davit, an organ builder from Antwerp. Today it ranks among the most valuable historic instruments in the region.

Is the church officially protected?

Yes. By royal decree of 22 October 1975, the church itself was granted heritage-monument status, and the adjoining cemetery was registered as a protected landscape. Less than two months later, by royal decree of 9 December 1975, the organ was separately granted monument protection — underlining its distinct historical and musical value, independent of the building's own status.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Sint-Antoniuskerk located? The church stands at Karel Trekelsstraat 48 in Houtem, a district of Vilvoorde in Flemish Brabant, near coordinates 50.9496° N, 4.4644° E.

How old is the church? The current building dates from 1775, though a place of worship existed here earlier under the care of Ter Kameren Abbey. The organ inside is even older, built in 1710.

What is the main highlight of the interior? The historic 1710 organ, rebuilt in 1742 by Gilliam Davit, alongside the 18th-century Emmaus painting and the wooden St. Anthony figure.

Is the church officially protected as heritage? Yes — the building and cemetery are protected under a 1975 royal decree, and the organ carries a separate protection decree from the same year.