Oldambt, a region in the Dutch province of Groningen, east of Noordbroek, touching the German border. In the 17th century the southern part was called Wold-Oldambt, the northern part, consisting of polders reclaimed on the Dollard, then was called Klei-Oldambt. In this territory are found the Mennonite congregations of Noordbroek, Winschoten (a union of the former congregations of Beerta, Midwolda, and De Meeden), Pekela, and Veendam. In the 17th century these congregations are sometimes mentioned under the names of Wold-Ampt and Klei-Ampt (also Klein-Ampt). It is not clear which of the now existing congregations formed the Wold-Ampt congregation and which the Klei-Ampt, though it is probable that Beerta and Midwolda were identical with the Klei-Ampt congregation.

Adapted by permission of Herald Press, Harrisonburg, Virginia, and Waterloo, Ontario, from Mennonite Encyclopedia, Vol. 4, p. 52. All rights reserved. For information on ordering the encyclopedia visit the Herald Press website.

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