Van Byler's Grave
by Unknown Author, Henricus Carolinus Byler, 1756
The grave stone of Henricus Carolinus van Byler in the Dorpskerk, Gieten, Drenthe, NL. With thanks to Jan van het Hof for the hospitality. See caption #1 for a transcript of the grave stone text. NB: The stone was moved from its original (now unknown) spot during the renovations of the Dorpskerk. Photos by Michiel Teeuw.
The grave stone, which is made out of dark, carved, stone material. At the top of the stone there is a tall oval shape with several floral ornaments at the bottom and a horn-like shape at the top. In the middle of the oval there is a figure consisting of a knight's helmet at the top, with two feathers, and a square-eared shield with a french base, containing three similar horn figures as well. Below it, there is the description, in a delicately ornamented text box, carved in very cursive Latin. The text reads:
Latin:
Henricus Carolinus van Bijler, Ecclesiastes in pago Gieten, natus 1 Novembris 1692, obiit 23 Julii 1756, Nobilis ingenio, nulli pietate Secundus, Conditus hoc tumulo. molliter ossa cubent.
Dutch:
Henricus Carolinus van Bijler, Predikant in het dorp Gieten, geboren 1 November 1692, gestorven 23 Juli 1756, Edel van geest, wijkend voor niemand in vroomheid, wordt hij bedekt door dit graf, moge zijn gebeente zacht rusten.
English:
Henricus Carolinus van Bijler, Pastor in the village of Gieten, born November 1, 1692, died July 23, 1756, Noble in spirit, yielding to none in piety, he is covered by this grave, may his bones rest gently.
close-up of the crest as described in the previous caption.
close-up of the text as described in the previous caption.
the stone as situated in the church, photographed from the pulpit. there are several candles visible, as well as chairs, the edge of the piano and the smaller pulpit.
The stone as seen from the side. On the left, there are chairs for the church visitors. On the right, part of the piano is visible, with a small piano stool.
A board with the names of previous preachers, with the time in which they worked for the church. Note the information on van Byler: Henricus carolinus van Bijler 1739 - 1756.
Oversight interior photograph of the church. In the middle there is a raised pulpit and a smaller one. The church has white walls with four windows visible and four chandeliers hang from the ceiling.