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Friday, January 16, 2004
gereja blenduk (part 2)
gereja blenduk, a domed church located on jalan letjen suprapto, is the oldest christian church in central Java. it was built in 1753, 75 years after the voc extended its operation to semarang in January 1678. over the years, it was even a place to pray for the city's catholic community when they did not have their own church.
'blenduk' is javanese word for an upside-down bowl of its dome. its roof is covered with a metal layer framed by teak rafters. this metal roofing was added to the structure in 1894, and there is a hole under the dome to allow the sun to filter in. it is good to see that the church is still in fairly good condition -- thanks to several renovations. the walls have been whitewashed, the copper dome caught the sunlight and looked almost new when i visited it.
 
the church (also known as immanuel church) is fronted by four 'gothic style' pillars and a handsome classical portico. the two towers on both sides create an imposing impression, beginning from a square base that gradually rounds off at the top. a small dome-shaped roof is perched at the top of each tower.
 
it is said that the interiors and the location of the antique organ have never been changed since it was built. too bad the old pipe organ has stood silent since it played its last tune in 1975. the church's administer said that the organ repair costs are quite expensive and it cannot be done here in indonesia. they will need about rp 200 million for this. the wrought iron winding staircase leading to the organ is strong and robust. it was made in Holland and it must be difficult to ship. i managed to take a pose there. ;)
 
(compiled from various sources)
stelly @ 11:23 AM
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