Art Deco Design at Bandung Bethel Church

Hi everybody. How are you? I hope you're okay. Earlier this month, I visited a unique church in Bandung. This church became one of the important churches for the spread of Christianity in Bandung, especially in the 19th century. I love the architecture of this place, there are many theological symbols that reflect the teachings of the Bible. It is called the Bandung Bethel Church, located on Jalan Wastukancana, Bandung.

From the information I got, this church became the first Protestant church in Bandung. This church was built in May 1924. And can accommodate 500 visitors. This church was built in the center of Bandung, next to the city hall, the Java bank and the church of St. Peter.

This church has a building with a modern classic style that was built by Ir CP Wolff Schoemaker. It was not until 1964 that the name "bethel" was used. In some parts, there are certain religious symbols. First, at the entrance of 5 steps. These represent the five stones that David used to fight Goliath. At the top of the door, a Latin inscription meaning "a house is an offering to God."

There is a bell tower, there is a painting of the glory of God. The bells in this church are rung during worship times. In the main part of the church, there are 10 curved-column windows. This number symbolizes the 10 commandments of God to Moses. Then there is a large chandelier installed in the living room, which symbolizes the role of faith as a lifeline. Honestly, I was amazed by the meaning of this church.

For the decorative part of this church, the architecture of this church is influenced by the art deco style. For this type of building it has become a constitutionally protected place. this place is one of the places that is used as a cultural heritage in Indonesia. In several Dutch buildings in Indonesia, the Indonesian government has designated buildings protected by law as places of cultural heritage.

I will review every detail of the building. The masses in this church form a large cross. I appreciate the designer of this building. In addition, for other reasons, there are geometric motifs. I have previously stated that the architecture of this building is influenced by the art deco style. This can be seen from the teak table with geometric patterns at the bottom of the walls of this church room.

The hallmark of art deco can be seen from the molding that is lined up by forming line ornaments on the walls. The molding is a water rope on the wall. These buildings have the impression of a very luxurious and majestic church. Seen from the height of this building. When I entered this church, I felt like a dwarf. There is the most striking thing in this building, the ventilation holes in this room reinforce the art deco impression. And wall thickening.

Nurdiani Latifah

_{My name is Nurdiani Latifah. I currently live in Jakarta – Indonesia, after 25 years I live in Bandung. I am a media staff at an NGO in Indonesia. I have worked in this institution for almost 2 years on issues of women and peace. I had been a journalist in Bandung for 3 years.}

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