Gothic grandeur of faith and unity
WITH its imposing bell towers, pointed spires and stained-glass windows, the new St Peter's Church in Kuching is an architectural masterpiece.
More significantly, the striking Gothic structure is a work of faith and devotion – and a testament to Sarawak's religious harmony.
The original St Peter's Church was completed in 1949 and gradually expanded over the decades. But in recent years, the timber foundation began to fail, prompting the decision to build a new church on the same site.
Stained glass windows adorn the new St Peter's Church in Kuching. — Photos by ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
Reflecting on the project, St Peter's rector Father Vincent Chin described it as a journey of faith.
'From the very beginning, I firmly believed this church is what God wants, and that conviction kept me going,' he said.
The RM38mil Roman Catholic church was completed last December and officially opened on June 28.
Its Gothic style was suggested by Archbishop Emeritus Datuk John Ha.
A stained glass panel depicting figures from the Bible.
'He wanted a church that looked traditional and referred me to the old St Joseph's Cathedral in Kuching, which was a Gothic church,' Chin said.
One of the new church's most outstanding features is its stained-glass windows – 88 in total – including rose windows and panels depicting biblical scenes and figures. The windows were made entirely on site by two Italian master craftsmen.
'Each piece of stained glass tells its own story,' Chin said. 'The main piece is 11m by 5.5m, with St Peter in the centre, surrounded by the Four Evangelists and four Old Testament prophets.'
The rose window featuring The Last Supper at its centre.
Other windows portray the 14 Stations of the Cross, key moments from the life of Christ, and a rose window featuring the Last Supper at its centre.
Local Dayak motifs were also incorporated, including four traditional shields arranged to form a cross.
St Peter's rector Father Vincent Chin.
The floor tiles were produced by a local factory, the main door and cross were crafted by a Sarawak wood specialist, and other fittings came from local artisans.
'This is truly a Sarawak-built church and we should be proud of it,' Chin said.
Archbishop Datuk Simon Poh speaking at the opening ceremony of St Peter's Church.
Other Gothic features include the bell towers, flying buttresses and arches, while the lofty interior is supported by steel roof trusses echoing the old church's design.
Roman Catholic Archbishop of Kuching Datuk Simon Poh said St Peter's is now a landmark that reflects Sarawak's religious harmony, friendship and goodwill.
The new Gothic-style St Peter's Church in Kuching is a landmark of Sarawak's religious harmony.
'St Peter's now stands proudly among Kuching's major religious landmarks – the old State Mosque, Sikh temple, Hindu temple, Floating Mosque, Anglican Church and three Chinese temples,' he said. 'It represents the Catholic community as an integral pillar in this harmony.'
The lofty and spacious interior of St Peter's Church is supported by steel roof trusses.
Poh also noted that Kuching was declared a City of Unity in 2015.
'This church is a sign of our desire for harmony, to contribute to society and build a better Sarawak as a model for other parts of Malaysia and the world,' he said.
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