Overview:

The Church of São Tiago - Lubango In Angola is an Evangelical Freikirche (Free Evangelical Church) located in Lubango, Huíla Province, Angola. The church was founded in 1974 in the former Portuguese colonial city and is an offshoot of the Presbyterian Church in the region. It is headed by Rev. Dr. Elias Fonseca who, aside from his duties as Pastor of the Faith Community, also serves as a consultant for the Presbyterian Church in Angola. The church serves a diverse congregation that is composed of both Angolans and foreign nationals. It focuses on ministry, community outreach, charitable work, and evangelism, as well as providing spiritual and practical guidance to its members. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Angola
Prominent Features:

1. Beautiful Baroque-style architecture: The Church of São Tiago is a stunning example of Baroque-style architecture. Its impressive façade features twin towers and a large central rose window. 2. One of the oldest churches in Lubango: Built in 1909, the Church of São Tiago is one of the oldest churches in Lubango. 3. Symbolic of the colonial origins of Angola: As a testament to the country’s colonial history, the Church of São Tiago is representative of the Roman Catholic influence in Angola. 4. Elaborate interior: The interior of the Church of São Tiago is breathtaking, with its ornate columns and finely detailed frescoes. 5. Important part of the Lubango skyline: The Church of São Tiago stands as a prominent feature of the Lubango skyline and is visible from many parts of the city. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Angola.

History:

The Church of São Tiago in Lubango, Angola is a Roman Catholic parish church located on the square of Alvaro Alexandre in the heart of the city. This church was constructed between 1964 and 1966 on the old site of the church of Our Lady of Conception. The building of the church of Our Lady of Conception was constructed in 1909, by Portuguese citizens of Lubango and was used until its demolition. This new construction was done by the order of Father Jaime José da Rocha of the Congregation of Missionaries of San Carlos. The current building is a symbol for the town of Lubango and was designed utilizing Portuguese Neo-Gothic style. The dedication of the church as the parish of the new São Tiago began on the 22nd of December in 1966. This was the feast day of Saint James the Great, also known as the Apostle of Jesus and patron saint of the church. Being one of the oldest and most iconic churches in Lubango, this place of worship holds special meaning to the congregation of the city. The Church of São Tiago also holds a special place in the hearts of the citizens of Angola as it serves as a reminder of the country's Portuguese influence on their culture as well as its religious history. Currently, the Church of São Tiago is a part of the Diocese of Menongue and serves as the main place of worship for the city's Catholic faithful. The church continues to be a symbol of hope and faith for the citizens of Lubango and serves as an important reminder of the strong religious connection between Angola and Portugal. References - Inglês, Tânia Guerreiro. Angola's Churches – Church of São Tiago in Lubango (https://www.ashgate.com/pdf/samplepages/Angolas_Churches_Intro.pdf). Ashgate. February 20, 2015. - Book, Smart. Church Of São Tiago in Lubango: Historical Overview (https://zii.world/angola/what-to-know-about-the-church-of-sao-tiago-in-lubango/). Zii.world. October 2, 2019. - Ontiveros, Elvina. Angola Through History – Church of São Tiago in Lubango (https://weareluanda.com/angola-through-history-the-church-of-sao-tiago-in-lubango/). Weareluanda. November 22, 2018. Visit one of the famous monuments of Angola with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Church of São Tiago (St. James), also known as the Cathedral of St. James, is located in the city of Lubango in Angola. 2. It is the largest church in Angola and one of the oldest churches in the country. 3. The Church of São Tiago is classified as a national monument due to its historical and cultural significance. 4. The church was built in 1913 by Jesuit missionaries with the help of local craftsmen. 5. The Church of São Tiago is a popular destination for tourists due to its ornate interior and unique architecture. 6. The Church of São Tiago is one of the few churches in Angola that offers Masses in several languages including Portuguese, English, French, Spanish and Kikongo. 7. The Church of São Tiago is home to a famous painting by renowned artist Francisco da Cunha, depicting Jesus and Mary on the road to Calvary. 8. The church also contains a large organ with more than 3,000 pipes, one of the largest organs in Africa. One of the historical monuments of Angola, it tells the story of a bygone era