Christ Church Melaka

The Dutch’s Legacy in Melaka

A Quick Glance

The front view of Christ Church Melaka

Once you step your foot in Dutch Square, Melaka. You might be more attracted to the colouful decorated trishaws lining-up in front of Christ Church and Stadthuys.

There seems nothing special about this church and a quick glance into the interior of this building prove to be the same. However, do not under estimate this terra-cotta Church as it is another fine example of the Dutch woodwork skill.

In order to appreciate this church, you need to know the “special” things to look out for. Before I share with you the “special” things that you need to look out for, let us get to know its history.

History & Background

Although the Dutch took over Melaka from the Portuguese in 1641, they only built their own church 100 years later. Why? This is because the Dutch use the St. Paul’s Church as their main parish church.

Later, when their presence is more stable in this region, they decided to build their own church in a more convenient location to replace the aging St. Paul’s Church. 

In 1741, Malacca born Captain of the Malacca Burger, Abrahan de Wind laid the Christ Church’s foundation stone. Standing at 42-feet in height, this church was completed in 1753. It took them 12 years to complete this building. Wondered why it took them so long? Please read on…

Like most of the Dutch colonial style building, this church was laid out in a simple rectangular shape of 82 feet by 42 feet.

Its roof is covered with Dutch tiles. As for the walls, they used Dutch bricks built on local laterite blocks derived from nearby island (Pulau Upeh). Later the blocks were coated with Chinese plaster. Meanwhile, the Dutch used granite blocks originally used as ballast for merchant ships at the floor.

Notable Features & Events

Aside from its striking red exterior, this church is reputed as the oldest Protestant church in Malaysia. Now it is an Anglican Church.

Like most of the Old Dutch churches, the floor is embedded with tomb-stones bearing Armenian and Portuguese inscriptions used as paving blocks. You could even find memorial plaques in Dutch, Armenian and English in the interior of the church which depicted life during the 18th century Dutch reign in Malacca.

One of the top most “special” features that you need to look up for is its ceiling beam. You might say it looks normal bit, you need to know that every ceiling beam in this church (11 ceiling beam) was hand-hewn from a single tree! Do take note that they have no joints, so you could imagine how huge the tree trunk was!

This was the greatest attempt of woodwork skill. Moreover, the pews in use were installed over 200 years ago! All these were done without using modern machinery and tools.

Next, is the picture of the “Last Supper”, done in glazed tiles. This piece work of art is located above the main altar. You could also see the brass bible rest, made in 1773. If you look closely, there’s a verse from St. John.

As for the church bell, it bears the year 1608 which indicate that it might belong to another church.

The 6th of March 1972 is a special day for the people of Melaka as Queen Elizaberth II visited the town on this date.  According to the local, she even prayed at Christ Church with the royal party which included the Duke of Edinburgh, Princess Anne and the now late Lord Louise Mountbatten.

Isn’t it a memorable event for this small church?

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