This church originally started as a P.J.H. Cuypers-design from 1899, but the partners Cuypers jr. and Stuyt where allowed to take over the project the following year. The design was drastically altered in a more neo-Romanesque style that replaced the original neo-Gothic style, although the building still has similarities with P.J.H.'s later work.
The most characteristic element of this church is the enormous cone on the cilindrical crossing-tower, an idea later to resurface in one of the designs for Cuypers' St. Bavo's cathedral in Haarlem.
The church was built on 1100 piles, but despite these the church started to sag soon after its completion, which caused great damage to the walls. In 1927 measures were taken. On the north-side a new chapel was constructed to provide extra support, and the entrance on the south-side was enlarged.
On October the 30th of 1944 retreating German troops blew up the church. Repairs lasted until 1949.