Gable of Faith

Religious Architecture has always contained a number of elements that tend to define, embody, and celebrate the related faith.

Perhaps one of my favourite structures on the island, the St.Martin de Porres Roman Catholic Church in Salem, Montserrat has always personified a subtle character with a striking appearance.  With a height of more than 20 feet towering over the average man, the steep gable roof of this place of worship seems almost to have penetrated the surface of the earth to materialize in this location.  Constructed in 1980 primarily of timber, concrete, and stone cladding, this landmark appears almost as an ode to a concoction of modernity, tradition, and Caribbean vernacular.

Converted into an evacuation shelter for residents who had been affected by the volcanic activity of 1995, the church has since been restored to its original use after only a year of habitation.

In March of 2015, the deterioration of the concrete flooring and column work became evident, and the need for a vast amount of rehabilitation became necessary.  The main flooring was demolished and recast in concrete and steel with a smaller central area reconstructed in timber framing.  During this renovation, the church services have been conducted at an alternative location at the recently constructed St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in Lookout.

Although my interest in theological principles is a bit tenuous, I am admittedly drawn to this structure for its Architectural merit, cultural significance, and historical prominence.  Additionally, as a (not-so-staunch) Roman Catholic who was baptized in this church, my interest in this structure goes far beyond the professional, into the realm of personal.  I was able to assist the other local Architects and Engineers by volunteering to redraw and convert the 35 year old hand drawings into soft copy CAD files, which were then used for the renovation work.

I can only hope that this church will continue to stand the tests of time, with continuous renovations executed to maintain the aura that is exuded from this structure.

Photo is courtesy of Paul McClure.  View his photos on flickr at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/11537676@N06/