How about a story of faith rising from humble beginnings? That’s exactly what GKI Kedoya’s journey embodies. This church stands as a testament to a community’s unwavering spirit. It began with a small group. Their dream was to establish a place of worship.
The story of GKI Kedoya starts long before this building existed. Imagine a small congregation. They met in homes and rented spaces. Their faith was strong. Their community grew.
GKI Kedoya officially became a parish on November 26 1986. This marked a turning point. Reverend Ignatius Soesilo Soewarna became the first pastor. A year later, the community started building a permanent church.
The church’s design is unique. The architects at Biro Arsitek Han Awal conceived an organic concept. It is reminiscent of Notre Dame du Haut. Construction finished in June 1989. This temporary building served the congregation.
The formal construction faced delays. The official permit finally arrived on July 16 1993. A groundbreaking ceremony took place on June 13 1993. The event was attended by Archbishop Leo Soekoto and West Jakarta Mayor Sudjoko Tirtowidjojo.
The physical building of GKI Kedoya took 18 months. West Jakarta Mayor Sutardjianto inaugurated it. Archbishop Soekoto blessed the church on November 6 1994.
Further construction continued in 2002. The goal was to expand the Santo Andreas School facilities. The Santo Thomas Aquinas Building opened on March 30 2003.
Parking and gathering space remained a challenge for GKI Kedoya. The church acquired land next to the complex. This new space became Wisma Siti Mariam. It has been in use since 2005. It officially opened on August 16 2006.
The church’s architecture won an award in Japan. Its asymmetrical design impressed judges. It lacks a central point when viewed from any angle.
GKI Kedoya offers several facilities. There is a Marian Grotto. Near it, stands a Garuda Pancasila statue. An adoration room offers a space for personal prayer. A statue of Saint Andrew stands on the grounds. Dioramas depicting the Stations of the Cross surround the church.
Inside GKI Kedoya, statues aid devotion. A Sacred Heart of Jesus statue is in the sanctuary. Statues of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Virgin Mary are nearby. A Pieta statue stands behind the church.
Daily Masses are held in the morning. Weekly Masses take place on Saturday evenings and three times on Sundays. Services are in Indonesian.
Adjacent to the church is the Santo Andreas School complex. It includes kindergarten elementary and middle schools.
GKI Kedoya started with 40 Catholic families. At its establishment as a parish, the church had 2672 members. These members came from 800 families. They were divided into four regions and ten community groups. One pastor and five departments served them. Today, over 8246 members worship here. They are divided into nine regions and 40 community groups. Two pastors serve them.
The story of GKI Kedoya reflects a vibrant community. It is rooted in faith. It continues to evolve. It is a beacon of hope.