After being revitalized, the congregation held a Christmas mass at the Blenduk Semarang Church

Christmas Mass at Blenduk Church (ANTARA)

SEMARANG - Hundreds of Christian congregations attended the Christmas mass at GPIB Immanuel or better known as the Blenduk Semarang Church. This mass was the first after the revitalization process.

The administrator of the GPIB Immanuel Semarang Congregation Council, Immanuel Antoni, in Semarang, Thursday, December 25, said the preparations were the same as in previous years.

"The preparations are the same as in previous Christmases. It's just that this year, we've just moved after rehabilitation (Blenduk Church), back to this building," he said.

During the renovation of the Blenduk Church, the members of the GPIB Immanuel Semarang congregation carried out worship, including celebrating Christmas at the Borsumy Building which is located next to it.

The Blenduk Church, a cultural heritage building in Semarang, Central Java, was built in 1753 by the Portuguese, and is the oldest church in the province.

For the Christmas mass, he said, his party also provided tents in the church yard to facilitate the congregation who were not accommodated inside the church.

"We provide tents outside because we can't be too full inside. That means there are standards, it's impossible to be full. There are certain parts that we might give a place," he said.

He said the number of churchgoers who attended the Christmas mass was around 500 people, the same as the number of churchgoers who attended the Christmas Eve mass, Wednesday.

With the revitalization, he admitted, there was a difference in atmosphere, such as in the interior with better and more beautiful lighting, making worship more comfortable.

"What is clear, with yesterday's renovation, we see that it looks more beautiful. Additional interior, if it is more at night, it looks more beautiful," he said.

The revitalization of the Blenduk Semarang Church began in May 2024 with a state budget of Rp. 26.2 billion which focuses on repairing the dome structure, tower, roof, electrical mechanics, such as CCTV, audio, AC, alarm, as well as landscaping and public facilities that are sleek by the end of 2024.

Meanwhile, Yesaya, one of the members of the GPIB Immanuel congregation, admitted that he had felt the Christmas mass service at the Borsumy Building, namely last Christmas because the Blenduk Church was revitalized.

"I have been worshiping here since I was a child. After rehabilitation, I can use it, yes, I am very happy. If I see the interior, maybe yes, because it is not allowed to be changed much because the building is a cultural heritage," he said.