St Peter’s Church Kuching set to become an architectural marvel

St Peter’s Catholic church in Padungan, Kuching, is rapidly nearing its grand completion, boasting semi-gothic architecture that promises to be a remarkable addition to the city’s landscape.

In an architectural nod to the late architect Yong Nyan Ted, who envisioned the original design in 2014, the project is orchestrated by Architect DesignPractice. The construction work on the RM38 million church commenced in October 2019.

Recently, the contractors, Perbena Emas Sdn Bhd, have unveiled 20 exquisite stained glass windows that will adorn the church’s interior, evoking the grandeur of semi-gothic design.

The grandeur of semi-gothic design

An intriguing aspect of this project is the incorporation of stained glass windows crafted by Italian artisans Roberto Fasoli and Ernesto Reducci. These windows, already installed in the church, lend an air of magnificence to the edifice.

The 13 x 38 feet stained glass window, depicting St Peter himself, is the pinnacle of this masterpiece. These windows illuminate significant events in Jesus’ life and are a vivid tapestry of church history.

The stained glass windows at St Peter’s Church, showcasing pivotal events in Jesus’ life and chronicling the rich history of the church, are expected to be a draw for both devoted parishioners and tourists.

“By illuminating the windows from within the church, passersby can enjoy the vibrant colours and follow the rich storylines conveyed by the stained glass,” said St Peter’s Catholic church rector Rev Fr Vincent Chin.

He added that during daytime, the natural light filtering through the windows will highlight the intricate details and diverse array of colours of the stained glass, but often loses the full visual impact when viewed from the exterior.

St Peter’s Church architectural embellishments

The embellishments of the new St Peter’s Church go beyond stained glass windows. Exclusively designed floor tiles will adorn the flooring, and a cross-shaped baptismal font for immersion baptisms will grace the sanctuary.

The architectural ensemble also includes two bell towers, housing five electronically operated bells that chime hourly, providing a melodic backdrop to the church’s activities.

For music enthusiasts and worshippers alike, the church will feature two digital organs capable of producing “pipe organ quality sound.” One of these organs will be placed in the day Chapel, while the other will find its home in the main Church, creating a sonorous environment for music rendering and worship.

Beyond the main church building which will accommodate over 1,000 parishioners, the complex offers a multipurpose hall with an attached office block, an eight-storey hostel for an international school, a four-storey formation centre, and ample parking space for cars.

With its semi-gothic allure, St Peter’s Church Kuching is poised to become an architectural marvel. When completed, it will be a fully air-conditioned haven for worshippers, offering a harmonious blend of traditional ecclesiastical design and modern comfort.