The Sacred Heart Church: The Gem Of Main Street

When walking down Main Street you come across many beautiful trees and flowering plants that were planted alongside the pathway. You can enjoy the scenery by taking a seat on one of the many benches provided and admire the bustle of the day to day urban life. One of my favourite spots is opposite the Sacred Heart Church which stands tall, gracing the street with its beauty and history. Continue reading if you would like to know more about one of Guyana’s sacred gems.

Jesuits began their ministry in British Guiana in 1858. In the 1830s many Portuguese settled along the East Bank of Demerara in Meadow Bank, Ruimveldt and Agricola. One of the first churches established was The Catholic Mission British Guiana situated in Meadow Bank. it became necessary for another church to be constructed which would also meet their religious needs. Bishop J Eldridge made the observation that the members of the Portuguese church were becoming too large for their usual place of worship and thus new accommodations had to be made.

Soon after this observation was made land was acquired and the purchase was made for $1200 Guyanese dollars which would be equivalent to a little over $43,000 today. Over the years there have been various celebratory events that were held in the church. The church became known for hosting extravagant celebrations.  Portuguese would gather to partake in drinking and dancing.

Christmas Novena is an essential celebration that ushers in the coming of our saviour, the doors of the church would be opened from 8 am and worshippers would gather to sing Bemdita Sejues. This celebration lasted from 15th December to 23rd December (9 days). 

A “great lighting of three thousand lights, the finest ever seen in Georgetown” was described as the celebration honoring Pope Leo X111’s Golden Jubilee in July 1893. Vasco de Gama, a Portuguese navigator, witnessed the makeover of this structure with a décor of garlands, flags, buntings, and lights on the inside and exterior of the church in 1898 to commemorate the fourth centenary of his discovery of the route.

Physical Features

The original structure of the church was 100ft by 30ft in a rectangular shape. Italian Reinassance is prominent in the architectural style and was designed by Ceasar Castellani of Maltese. Over the course of 16 years, there have been a few alterations were done to the structure which is inclusive of the addition of a choir and gallery porch, two wooden towers, a large sacristy, aisles, and the extension of the sanctuary. 

Image showing an example of Italian Renaissance Architecture. Photo Source: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/1393809

The Destruction Of The Church

In the year 2004 on 25th December, a devastating fire occurred during the morning service that damaged part of the church. The remarkable edifice that stood tall, marking the heritage of the country for 143 years prior was almost completed destroyed. Some of the churchgoers were gravely upset by the news. The fire was said to have been started due to an electrical trip that occurred. Some parishioners recollected that they would have noticed that the crib which depicted the baby Jesus was set ablaze and soon the entire building was engulfed in flames.  Fortunately, none of the 65 parishioners that were present during the service were injured. The Sacred Heart Public school was destroyed along with historic records that date back to the 1930s. 

Sacred Heart Church Original Design. Photo Source: https://www.guyanatimesinternational.com/lost-gems-of-our-built-heritage/

After The 2004 Fire

The debris was moved from the property and the rebuilding process of the church began. It was not at all a cheap project which is why monetary donations were collected during the year 2011 in order to fund the rebuilding. The funds allocated came up to $85 million. A grand reopening service was held on 7th December 2015, many worshippers gathered at 8:00 am sharp to witness the church door reopen. The air was filled with joyous hymns as they delightfully sang and gave praise. The service was held by Monsignor Terrence Montrose. 

The church still has its original design but was constructed using concrete instead of wood to ensure its sturdy structure.

Image of the newly constructed Sacred Heart Church. Photo Source: https://www.stabroeknews.com/2015/05/25/news/guyana/sacred-heart-church-needs-30m-for-completion/

The church is a historic monument; it isn’t just a beautiful architectural structure but also represents the strength of the church. Services are still held every Sunday at the church starting from 8 am. There is also a Facebook page which you can visit by clicking here – https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Religious-organization/Sacred-Heart-Roman-Catholic-Church-Guyana-2031193317143170/  

References:

• https://guyanachronicle.com/2013/09/07/sacred-heart-church-rebuilding-on-schedule-for-december-2013-reopening/
• https://www.landofsixpeoples.com/news022/nc2122211.htm
• https://www.facebook.com/306452776899982/posts/a-walk-down-memory-lane-the-sacred-heart-church-georgetown-by-the-1830s-many-por/460857144792877/