Dumaguete Visita Iglesia: Silliman University Church

The communion table (altar) and the Chancel (altar area)
The communion table (altar) and the Chancel (altar area)

ON THE charming campus by the sea in Dumaguete is a large green field flanked with age-old acacia trees. At the far end is an amphitheater, where campus beauty queens have been crowned in a contest said to be the oldest and the longest running campus-based pageant in Asia, even older than the Miss Universe Beauty Pageant. Across it is a place of worship, the Silliman University Church. These are a few of the many attractions of the educational institution established in 1901.

The university's church is Presbyterian. It started as the Dumaguete Mission Station established by American Presbyterian missionaries in 1901, seven months prior to the founding of the Silliman Institute on the same year. It became the Student Church in 1916 and eventually named Silliman University Church, "a church ministering to all Sillimanians, regardless of their denomination and religious affiliations."

I like the "regardless of religious affiliations" part. It made me feel welcome to this particular house of worship that was constructed in 1941 and completed in 1949 after interruptions brought by the Second World War.

What caught my interest were the stained glass windows. During the day, it can be admired from the inside. But I returned at night to see the glass glowing from within.

But did you know that the early Presbyterian edifices were no stained glass windows or decorations like it has today? In fact they referred to the structure as the "meeting house", a building to support the worship of God. Thus, nothing- including decors-should detract anyone from worship. If there were any decors at all, it would be austere.

There was even a time when the look was influenced by the Puritans and "extremely plain" would be a perfectly describe the early Presbyterian meeting houses. Except for the (often) raised pulpit, which was the centerpiece of the building, there were no images or elaborate furnishings.

Unlike the typical Roman Catholic churches decorated with statures of saints and an ornate altar, Presbyterian churches do not have any of these. What it will have are the communion table (aka the altar) and behind it is the Chancel (aka altar area), which will hold an altar-type table with across minus Christ (to emphasize the resurrection. They believe that Christ died once is alive for all eternity), a choir loft, lectern and clergy area.

Changes occurred in the late 19th century and prosperous congregations started building imposing churches.

The Silliman University Church follows the Presbyterian architecture that generally makes significant use of symbolism. Here you will find stained glass windows depicting scenes from the bible. The biggest one it has is above the entrance doors, which relates the story of The Good Samaritan.

You may perceive this church as simple, but once you're inside, you will admire the symmetrical balance of its interior layout, the exposed wood beams at the ceiling and the beautiful hanging lamps.

Wait for nightfall and admire the church from a different point of view. From the outside, a bible story will glow in the night.

*****

For more photos of this feature, visit www.jeepneyjinggoy.com.

For lifestyle stories, visit www.ofapplesandlemons.com

Email me at jinggoysalvador@yahoo.com

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