During the Protestant Reformation in the16th century, a movement of Anabaptist Christians led by Menno Simons founded the Mennonite Church, or Doopsgezinde Kerk in Dutch. Although the movement originated in Holland, the Dutch Mennonite community is currently very small and concentrated in just a few cities. Haarlem has always been a major centre for the Mennonites, but its main church, which dates from 1683, was once clandestine, so it's well hidden by several other houses. In 1757, an entrance from Grote Houtstraat was constructed by wealthy members of the community and today the hallway leading to the Church, named De Gang, houses art exhibitions that are open to the public. Inside you can view design features typical of Mennonite churches including a sober, circular interior and preponderance the colour known as Mennonite-blue.
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