Aruba, a gem in the Caribbean, boasts not only stunning beaches and vibrant culture but also a rich tapestry of religious diversity. Despite being predominantly Catholic, the island embraces over 50 different religious beliefs, from monotheistic faiths to ancient traditions like the Greek pantheon and Viking Gods. Here, everyone finds a spiritual home, even those who humorously worship the spaghetti monster in the sky.

Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the Protestant Church, affectionately known as Kerki 1846 or “The Church on the Bay.” Its roots intertwine with Aruba’s history, dating back to 1822, coinciding with the establishment of Oranjestad, the island’s capital. Previously, this site was known as Paardenbaai, a detail we explored in our episode “Unveiling Paardenbaai.”

Initially, a small congregation gathered in a house for worship. However, as membership swelled, the need for a dedicated place of worship became evident. Thus, a petition was sent to the governor of the Dutch colonies in Curaçao, seeking permission to construct the church.

In those days, development in Aruba was overseen by Curaçao, the primary governing body of the Dutch colonies. After negotiations involving the governor, the king, and the owner of the land, the church’s construction commenced. In 1846, utilizing the foundation and remnants of a demolished house, Kerki 1846 stood tall, a testament to Aruba’s evolving landscape.

Limestone, abundant due to Aruba’s geological composition, served as the primary building material. Its porosity allowed for airflow, crucial in Aruba’s tropical climate. Moreover, limestone kilns were employed to process residue into paint, a technique that intertwined history with practicality.

During our research, we uncovered a fascinating practice: mixing aloe residue with limestone paint to impart a yellowish hue to the walls. In the 19th century, when the aloe industry thrived, this technique added a touch of color to limestone structures for the right price.

Before we conclude, let’s address a common misconception. While many believe the Alto Vista Chapel holds the title of the oldest religious building, it relinquished this honor after a renovation in 1950. Kerki 1846, standing proudly by the bay, rightfully claims the title of Aruba’s oldest standing religious building.

That wraps up today’s episode. We hope you enjoyed the tour. Links to our previous episodes, social media platforms, and website are in the description on our YouTube video. Don’t forget to subscribe to Djis pa Hari’s YouTube for more Sly-N-Snide content!

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