“Ever wondered where to find solace in Jakarta? Here at Gereja ST Ktistoforus Jakarta. This church stands as a testament to faith and community. It’s a place where history and spirituality intertwine.
Back in 1960, some members of Gereja Bunda Hati Kudus felt a need. They lived far from Kemakmuran. Reaching the church was difficult. Public transport was limited. The existing church was too small. These people lived in Grogol, Tomang, Jelambar, Tanjung Duren, Kedoya, and Kebon Jeruk. They wanted a local place to worship.
MJ Oentoe, A Boediman, Pandisurya, and Handidjaja stepped up. They coordinated efforts to create this worship space.
On August 26, 1962, their dream took shape. A house on Jalan Makaliwe III Nomor 5 became their first worship location. Father C.J. Brouwers, M.S.C., led the Eucharist. As more people joined, they increased services to twice a week. Father H. Broccker, M.S.C., also began serving in Grogol.
In 1963, a significant event occurred. The Archbishop of Jakarta, Adrianus Djajasepoetra, S.J., declared Grogol a stasi. A house on Jalan Makaliwe III became the clergy house. Land was prepared on Jalan Satria IV, Jelambar for a church. This land also supported the school run by the Suster Kongregasi Puteri Bunda Hati Kudus.
August 9, 1964, marked another milestone. The first Sunday Mass took place in Jelambar. It was held in a school classroom. A few days later, Father Brouwers performed baptisms. This marked the birth of Paroki Grogol. Administratively, Paroki Grogol officially formed on March 17, 1965.
Construction of the church began in July 1967. Father H. Kemper, M.S.C., oversaw the project. Architect Bianpoen designed it. On November 22, 1970, Gereja Santo Kristoforus was blessed. Archbishop Leo Soekoto, S.J., led the ceremony. Santo Kristoforus was chosen as the patron saint. He is known to protect against floods, accidents, and epidemics. This was fitting because Grogol often faced flooding. A statue of Santo Kristoforus carrying the child Jesus stands in front. Father Boelaars, M.S.C., sculpted it.
Over time, the parish added facilities. A Gua Maria was built in the late 1970s. A parish hall followed in the early 1980s. In 2001, church bells arrived from the Netherlands. To accommodate more worshippers, the church expanded. It could then hold about 1,200 people.
Paroki Grogol also supports social and educational organizations. These include Yayasan Kematian Katolik Santo Yusuf from 1972. Yayasan Rukti Husada started in 1975. It focuses on healthcare. Yayasan Diannanda was founded on April 30, 1982. It manages the Santo Kristoforus schools in Jelambar and Taman Palem, Cengkareng.
During the 2019 Christmas Eve Mass, Father Adelbertus Serfi Fangohoi, M.S.C., spoke to the Governor of Jakarta, Anies Baswedan about the frequent floods. Governor Anies promised to support church renovations.
The groundbreaking ceremony took place on October 25, 2021. The new church building was blessed on December 12, 2023. Archbishop Ignatius Cardinal Suharyo officiated. A relic of Beato Antonio Arribas Hortigüela, M.S.C., was placed on the altar.
Paroki Grogol has expanded. Paroki Tomang was formed in 1974. Paroki Kedoya was created in 1986.
The parish has a station named Stasi Santo Polikarpus. It’s located on Jalan Nurdin IV Nomor 3. The church was dedicated in 2011 by Ignatius Suharyo. It can accommodate 700 worshippers.
Gereja ST Ktistoforus Jakarta has grown. It evolved from a small gathering to a large parish. It continues to serve its community. It offers spiritual guidance and support.”