This book, published in 2008, is written by Harm Plas and his son Wim.
In the years prior, my father and I regularly visited one of the beautiful churches in Groningen during a service. Dad would then write a report on it, complete with photos. It wasn’t until years later that the idea arose to create a book from it, and ultimately, we succeeded. For each of the 134 discussed churches, we included two sections that are usually not found in church descriptions, namely about ‘churchgoers then’ and ‘churchgoers now.’ This approach resulted in a personal style and gave the book a lighter character compared to traditional church books. This concept also certainly reflects the astonishment that for over 800 years, people from Groningen have been attending churches, with these experiences now receiving a (albeit modest) place in the narrative.
Dad always attentively followed the sermon and enjoyed it when it was worthwhile. During the service in Mensingeweer, he sank quite a bit in his chair and noted that if one took the Word seriously, this was not surprising. However, it often happened that the sermon did not meet his expectations, and once he lamented that the minister said the familiar words again but had just rearranged them.

On March 27, 2008, the first copy was presented by Dad to the Queen Governor Of Groningen, Max van den Berg, of course in the (old) church of Zuidwolde. Both Max van den Berg and the historian James Kennedy gave a speech on this occasion.

Both editions are sold out; they are only available occasionally as used books.

Wim