Cathedral Church of Makassar

MAKASSAR City has a good performance in terms of religious tolerance. Although the majority of the citizens are Moslem, Christian still mushrooming. Cathedral Church is the oldest church in Makassar even in southern Sulawesi and at the same time become the symbol of tolerance.

Location of Object 
Cathedral Church of Makassar is located at Kajaolalido Street. The location is right on the west side Karebosi Field. 

Overview 
Cathedral Church of Makassar is one of the culture pledge with several other buildings that are still maintained as shape as it first built. The church placed of a beautiful location with the exuberance tree in the west side of Karebosi Field. 

Official name is The Sacred Heart of Jesus Church. This church is the oldest church in Makassar City and in all regions of South and Southeast Sulawesi. This building is leaning European Gothic. Works of Swartbol, a detachment of army engineer officer. But when the development of this building has not finished yet, Swartbol came back to Europe. He was replaced by S Fischer, an irrigation expert.

This church and the surrounding environment is well taken care and very clean. Ready to accept everyone who come to witness the beauty of the Gothic interior which unique and luxurious. The church became the center of the Christian people activity every years, such as Christmas. A school now stand behind the church.

This church has three bell given by Mr. Scharpf in 1923. The bell was placed in the tower in south side of church building. The tower has experienced revamp many times with aesthetic considerations. 

Access 
Cathedral Church of Makassar can be accessed from Karebosi Field by walk.

History of Makassar Cathedral

When Sultan Hasanuddin be in command in the Sultanate of Gowa, the migration of foreign citizens from Malacca happened after a Portuguese fortress there collapsed. In 1658, Priest Fernendez Navarette arrived in Makassar. He was the first clergyman in the city. Fernandez being regarded as well by the officials and easy to perform his duty. 

In June 1669, Gowa Sultan Hasanuddin and his army squeezed by Dutch troops in Somba Opu Fortress. Sultan Hasanuddin forced to accept the surrender option by signing the Bungaya Agreement. The contents of the agreement was stipulates the VOC (Dutch trade unions in east India) monopoly rights. 


Because of the agreement, Fernandez experienced difficulties. Netherlands compelled Sultan Hasanuddin to expel foreign besides the Dutchmen. The Catholic is not free to run activities. Then in 1806, religious freedom can be felt in Makassar. At that time, the Netherlands was subjected by Napoleon Bonaparte. 

In 1892, Priest A Asselbergs SJ lived in Makassar and rent a house in Heerenweg (now Sultan Hasanuddin Street) to be used as a place of worship. In 1895 he purchased a land in Komedistraat (now Kajaolalido Street). Six years later, Sultan Aidir Qadir, the 32nd Gowa King, allowed the development of the church at the location. That was Cathedral Church of Makassar. 

On April 13, 1937, the area of South Sulawesi and Southeast became Apostolic Prefecture of Makassar by the Pope in Rome. Prefecture is to be trusted to the missionaries of Celebes Mission. Priest Mgr Martens became prefect. Than on May 13, 1948 the prefecture became Apostolic Vicariate of Makassar and January 3, 1961 become Archibishopric of Makassar. 

In 1943, Makassar was bombarded by Allied Soldiers. Finally, some of the church part damaged. The philanthropist contribute assistance to improve by sending colored glasses windows that provide cathedral typical nuance. 

Source:enjoy-makassar.blogspot.com