Baptists in Holland

Abstract

"Holland, and its capital Amsterdam in particular, Is m fact the cradle of the Baptist movement in the world. Dutch Baptists are just a little proud of the fact that Baptist witness originated in their own great capital city. The story is wellknown. Like many others at the beginning of the 17th century John Smyth emigrated from England to Amsterdam for the sake of freedom of religion and conscience, to find a haven of refuge in these lowlands. He became the minister of the local Mennonite church and his name still shines among those who once served this church as "teachers" mentioned on the memorial plaques in the vestry of the Mennonite "Singelkerk" in Amsterdam. In 1609 John Smyth separated himself from the Mennonites and, with a handful of followers, founded the first Baptist church of the world. Those who joined him in this fellowship of believers were all English and, as soon as circumstances became favourable, they returned to their native country to continue the work they had begun in Holland"