Saint Paul's Church in Malacca City, Malaysia, stands as a monumental testament to the region's rich history. Constructed in 1521, it is revered as the oldest church building in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. Perched atop St. Paul's Hill, this historical site forms a significant part of the Malacca Museum Complex, which includes the A Famosa ruins and the Stadthuys among other heritage buildings.
The church's inception dates back to 1521 when Duarte Coelho, a Portuguese nobleman, erected a simple chapel in gratitude for surviving a South China Sea storm. Originally dedicated to the Virgin Mary and named Nossa Senhora da Annunciada (Our Lady of the Annunciation), the chapel was later entrusted to the Society of Jesus in 1548 by Bishop João Afonso de Albuquerque, with St. Francis Xavier receiving the title deeds. Subsequent enhancements in 1556 and 1590 transformed it into a significant religious edifice, renaming it Igreja de Madre de Deus (Church of the Mother of God). A notable addition in 1592 was a burial vault, the resting place of Pedro Martins, the second Bishop of Funay, Japan【1†source】【2†source】.
The church's association with St. Francis Xavier is profound. In 1548, Xavier, aided by fellow Jesuits, founded St. Paul's College, possibly the first modern school on the Malay peninsula. The church served as a base for his missionary expeditions to China and Japan. His body was temporarily interred in the church in 1553 before its final journey to Goa【3†source】【4†source】.
When the Dutch conquered Malacca in 1641, the church was reconsecrated for Dutch Reformed use, becoming the main Dutch church until 1753. The British, who took over in 1824, used the church as a powder magazine, leading to further deterioration【2†source】.
Preservation efforts began in the early 20th century. Robert Norman Bland, a resident councillor, documented the church's historic tombstones in 1905. A lighthouse was added in 1849, showcasing neoclassical elements and aiding maritime navigation. Further archaeological work in the 1920s and 1930s revealed the old Portuguese burial vault and led to the affixing of tombstones to the church walls【5†source】【6†source】.
In 1952, a statue of St. Francis Xavier was erected at the site to commemorate 400 years since his time in Malacca. The statue's missing right hand has been subject to various legends, including lightning damage, a falling tree, or vandalism. The right forearm of Xavier himself was removed as a relic in 1614【7†source】【8†source】【9†source】【10†source】【11†source】.
This description encapsulates the rich tapestry of history, architecture, and cultural significance that Saint Paul's Church embodies, making it a must-visit site for those interested in the layered history of Malacca and Southeast Asia.
Негізгі бет Ойын-сауық Saint Pauls Church Malacca
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