A Study on Building Projects of the Catholic Diocese of Fukuoka (2) : Construction of Madarajima Church and Yobuko Church

Abstract

Madarajima church and Yobuko church of the Catholic Diocese of Fukuoka were built in 1929. Both were built in the form of relocation and reuse of old church buildings. This study revealed that old church structures were purposely reused because it was the means to secure rib-vaulted ceiling for new churches and at the same time to reduce the construction cost. The rib-vaulted ceiling was apparently considered as the prerequisite for the new church buildings by the parish priest Fr. Joseph Breton, MEP, as well as parishioners. Construction cost was shared by the parishioners, Fr. Breton and the Diocese.

A study on building projects of the Catholic Diocese of Fukuoka: Construction of Madarajima church and Yobuko church

“…However, this project was conceptualized and commenced by the Diocese of Nagasaki before the Diocese of Fukuoka was created in 1927. The first church building project single-handed by the Diocese of Fukuoka was Madarajima church and Yobuko church in Saga (Figures [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15]. Both of them were in Gothic Revival style, which reused old church buildings originally built in the 19th century and were disused by 1927 due to rebuilding.…”

“…Note 1) References [1] and [2]. Note 2) In this article, The Church (upper case 'C') refers to the apostolic institution or a group of Catholics such as the dioceses, parishes, and religious orders and congregations.…”

“…Note 47) Note 47) Kenchiku kouji ukeoi keiyakusho in the folder “Kenchiku 5.” Located at Catholic Diocese of Fukuoka; Reference [2]. …”