Sint-Jozefkerk

Sint-Jozefkerk is the parish church of Smeermaas, a district of Lanaken in the Belgian province of Limburg, standing at Bauduinplein. The current building dates from 1956-1957, though the parish itself has a much longer history.

How did the parish in Smeermaas begin?

Before a church dedicated to Saint Joseph existed, Smeermaas had a small chapel known as the Sint-Annakapel. The first church honoring Saint Joseph was built around 1875. It initially belonged to the parish of Lanaken, but by 1892 Smeermaas had gained independent parish status with its own church building.

What happened to the original 19th-century church?

That original structure did not survive intact. It suffered heavy damage during the Second World War, and the post-war repairs were only provisional rather than a full restoration. Over time it became clear the parish needed an entirely new building, one better suited to the evolving center of the town.

When was the current building constructed?

Land for the new site in Smeermaas's town center was already purchased in 1952, though construction itself began a few years later. The design came from architects Erens and G. Daniëls, with building work carried out between 1956 and 1957. The result was a modernist structure, a clear departure from the historicist churches typical of the region up to that point.

What does the architecture look like?

Sint-Jozefkerk is built as a brick hall church under a gable roof, with a distinctive concrete front and portico. A largely freestanding square tower stands alongside the main building, its upper level left open and covered by a lean-to roof. This simple, geometric massing is characteristic of post-war ecclesiastical architecture in Belgium, where functional form and economical use of modern building materials went hand in hand.

What can be found inside?

The interior features work from several artists involved in the church's construction. The altar, carved from green marble, was designed by Piet Killiaerts. Edmond Florens created the Stations of the Cross paintings as well as a stained-glass window. The church also contains a painted crucifix on the façade, a sculpture of the Risen Christ, and a statue of Mary - elements typical of Catholic liturgical decoration from that period.

Where exactly is the church located?

The church stands at Bauduinplein in Smeermaas, within the municipality of Lanaken, close to the Belgian-Dutch border and near the Meuse river. It continues to serve as the parish church for the local Catholic community.

Frequently asked questions

Is Sint-Jozefkerk a protected historic monument? The current building dates only from the 1950s, so it isn't historic in the traditional sense, though it represents a notable example of modernist ecclesiastical architecture from that era.

Is this the only church in Smeermaas? Yes, Sint-Jozefkerk serves as the main parish church for this district of Lanaken.

Who designed the present building? Architects Erens and G. Daniëls designed it, with construction carried out in 1956-1957.

What happened to the original church from 1875? It was heavily damaged during the Second World War and only provisionally repaired afterward, which eventually led to the decision to build an entirely new church on a different site.