Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Blessed Sacrament Church
12) Church of the Blessed SacramentIt was actually situated right next to our next stop, the Sri Muneeswaran Temple.
What is unique about the structure is that it looks like a folded origami creation. It was built in 1958, when the Archbishop Michael Olcomendy of the Archdiocese of Malacca saw SIT's advertisement of available religious sites in Queenstown. He sought help from the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary in Holland to establish a new parish In Queenstown. Completed in 1965, it was designed by Y. Gordon Dowsett of Van Sitteren and Partners. Some of its unique and iconic features included the blue slate roof, constructed in folds in the shape of a tent over the building, shaped like a cross. At points, the roof appears to touch the ground, thus resembling anchoring pegs.
It was really beautiful and peaceful to just sit there and soak in the ambience. Thought the recommended time to visit the church was at sunset, we missed it slightly. Nonetheless it was beautiful in its own right. We were invited to come in and view the place, and were asked to leave by the side door by the person who was closing up the main doors. There was a youth committee meeting still ongoing whilst we were at the church. So we just paid our respects and left. The church was decorated on one end by amural 'the last supper'.
The church had a real homely feel to it, yet a sense of solidness as represented by its long standing origins. Recognised for its unique architectural features, it was accorded the conservation status just 5 years ago by the URA. I would say it was well worthy of this recognition and their congregation must be really proud of what they have achieved.
2:54 AM By PUNITHA