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Holy Rosary Church (map) is a church founded by the Portuguese in Bangkok. Also called the Kalawar Church, it is located at Soi Wanit 2, off Thanon Charoen Krung, in the Samphanthawong neighbourhood of the city near the Chao Phraya River.
Holy Rosary Church, Bangkok (23 October 2006)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
The Holy Rosary Church was built in 1786. Before that, the Portuguese Eurasian parishioners worshipped at the Santa Cruz Church with the French Eurasian parishioners. The Portuguese was led by a Dominican priest sent from Macau while the French was led by Father Willemin, a missionary from the Société des Missions Étrangères de Paris (M.E.P.) who had just arrived in Siam, and was reporting to the French Vicar Apostolic, newly appointed Bishop Coude. As each group has its own aim, there was eventually some friction between the two Catholic missions, leading to the Portuguese separating themselves and sought the intervention of the throne.
Prince Bunman, brother of King Ramathibodi I, provided the Portuguese with a plot of land to the north of the Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem to build their church. The Portuguese Catholic built their church which was originally called Heremida, and later renamed Holy Rosary. It is also known as the Kalawar Church, the name being a corruption of the word calvary (calvário in Portuguese).
Holy Rosary Church interior (23 October 2006)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
The present Holy Rosary Church was built in 1891-1898. It is the third structure of the church. The church has its front façade facing the Chao Phraya River to the west. The richly ornate interior takes on a cream colour scheme.
Visiting Holy Rosary Church
From Thanon Charoen Krung at Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem, take Soi Wanit 2 and head west then north. You will eventually arrive at the church, which is signaged with a brown heritage interpretive board. mapFurther Reading
Read also related article, Eurasians of Penang, for some connection on the early French missions in Siam.
Altar of the Holy Rosary Church (23 October 2006)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
Ceiling of the Holy Rosary Church (23 October 2006)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
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