What if these walls could talk? The Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição e Boa Morte stands before us. It is a colonial church in Rio de Janeiro. It stands on the corner of Rua do Rosário and Avenida Rio Branco. It is in the city center.
The Irmandades de Nossa Senhora da Conceição and Nossa Senhora da Assunção e Boa Morte initially began in separate churches. Around 1721, they jointly founded a chapel. This chapel stood on the site of the current Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição e Boa Morte.
By 1735, a decision was made. A new building would rise. José Fernandes Pinto Alpoim, a Portuguese military engineer, designed it. The plan features a Latin cross with three naves. An octagonal transept supports a cupola. This design was innovative for the city.
Inside the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição e Boa Morte, the main chapel showcases rococo carvings. These carvings are the work of Mestre Valentim. Anonymous artists created four paintings of the Evangelists. Manoel Francisco dos Santos Deveza crafted the side altars. These were made between 1835 and 1840. In the sacristy, you can find two 18th-century paintings. One depicts Nossa Senhora da Conceição by Raimundo da Costa e Silva. The other shows Nossa Senhora da Boa Morte by Leandro Joaquim.
The facade of the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição e Boa Morte changed significantly in the 20th century. The tower and frontispiece were altered. However, the portal by Mestre Valentim remains. Fortunately, the church was not demolished. This happened during the opening of Avenida Central, now Avenida Rio Branco. Today, it stands next to a neo-Renaissance building. René Barba, an architect, built that building around 1904.
In 1700, the Ordem Terceira de São Francisco da Penitência possessed a hermitage. Later, it became home to the Ordem de Nossa Senhora da Conceição e Boa Morte. Its history includes many twists and turns. The Igreja de São Sebastião was in ruins. It housed various orders. Among them was Nossa Senhora da Conceição dos Homens Pardos. Antônio Pinheiro, Jorge de Castro, and others founded it. It consisted exclusively of brown-skinned men.
The Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição e Boa Morte has a captivating story. In 1734, disagreements arose. Members decided to leave the Carmelites. They founded another brotherhood. It was named Nossa Senhora da Boa Morte. They moved to the Capela de Nossa Senhora da Conceição dos Homens Pardos. The brothers began secretly removing ornaments. They also removed silver objects belonging to the Carmelitas.
The removal of the image of the Virgin took place on her feast day. Scandal erupted. A procession left the Convento dos Carmelitas. It wound through the streets. The brothers carried the image of the Virgin. Reaching Rua da Quitanda, they entered the Capela da Conceição. They locked the doors.
Tumult and fighting ensued. Candles broke. Habits tore. Police intervention became necessary. The two brotherhoods then coexisted. On March 25, 1735, they laid the foundation stone for a new building. Brigadeiro José Fernandes Pinto Alpoim designed it. Serious differences arose between the two congregations.
Only in 1820, after long discussions, did they agree to merge. The Ordem de Nossa Senhora da Conceição dos Homens Pardos joined the Irmandade de Nossa Senhora da Boa Morte. This ended a 60-year dispute.
In 1838, work began on the new Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição e Boa Morte. By 1853, the church was complete. The bishop blessed it. Images were moved there in procession. The opening of Avenida Central in 1903 did not seriously alter the church. It lost its atrium to the right. The catacombs had been situated there.
Today, the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição e Boa Morte stands as a testament to history. It is a landmark. It is a reminder of faith. It is also a symbol of resilience.