Abolished prohibition order of Christianity. That’s what made way for the Catholic Church of St. Francis Xavier. This church stands as one of Tokyo’s oldest. It shares this distinction with the Catholic Tsukiji Church.
Let’s delve into the story of this remarkable church. The Catholic Church of St. Francis Xavier has witnessed much of Tokyo’s history. Its origins trace back to a seminary in Yokohama. Seminarians returned from Penang, Malaysia. They had fled Japan to study theology. This was during the prohibition of Christianity.
The Meiji government issued the Abolition of signboards proscribing Christianity on February 24, 1873. This tacitly approved Christian evangelization. In January 1874, Paris Foreign Missionaries bought three houses in Kanda. They moved from foreign settlements. They built a chapel that was dedicated to St. Francis Xavier. This chapel became the foundation of the Catholic Church of St. Francis Xavier.
The original chapel was made of 70-mat tatami. In 1896, a new chapel was built. Sadly, it burned down in a fire in 1913. Another chapel followed in 1923. But this was destroyed by the Great Kanto Earthquake. The present structure dates back to 1928. It is ferroconcrete with a partial steel frame. Remarkably, it survived the extensive air attacks of 1945.
The Catholic Church of St. Francis Xavier briefly served as Tokyo Archdiocese’s pro-Cathedral from 1953. It held this role until 1964. The church boasts a history spanning over 140 years. It stands as the second oldest parish in Tokyo. Only Tsukiji Church is older.
French missionaries dedicated the church to St. Francis Xavier. This happened shortly after the ban on Christianity ended. The building we see today was rebuilt after the 1923 earthquake. Yet, it endured the firebombing of World War II.
Consider its design. It was conceived after the Great Kanto Earthquake. This led to the use of reinforced concrete. It provides superior earthquake resistance. Later, the second floor was extended. This made room for a large pipe organ.
Today, the Catholic Church of St. Francis Xavier continues to serve its community. It offers services and stands as a testament to faith. It also serves as a symbol of resilience in the heart of Tokyo. The stone walls evoke a sense of timelessness. The stained-glass windows reflect stories from centuries past. The Catholic Church of St. Francis Xavier stands as a serene contrast to Tokyo’s bustling streets.