When was the old Tam Toa Church built? Construction process

The foundation of Tam Toa parish was laid in the 17th century when the Dong Hoi Parish (also known as Luy or Sao Bun parish) was formed. However, a tragic event prompted a shift. In 1886, a raid by the Van Than movement on the Sao Bun parish took the lives of 52 parishioners and burned down the church. For this reason, a large number of parishioners had to flee to Dong Hoi for refuge. Around the end of 1886, the Sao Bun religious community officially relocated to Dong Hoi, laying the foundation for Tam Toa Parish and beginning the construction of the first church on the banks of the Nhat Le River.

The construction of the old Tam Toa church officially commenced in 1887 under the direction of priest Claude Bonin (locally known as Father Ninh). The church was built to serve about 1,200 parishioners in the region. The original architecture of the church featured a characteristic Gothic style, popular in Europe in the 19th century, or influenced by Portuguese architecture, creating a massive and unique structure.

In 1887, under the direction of priest Claude Bonin (Father Ninh), Tam Toa Church began construction with Portuguese architectural style, carrying a distinctive ancient charm. By 1940, priest René Morineau (Father Trung) renovated and reconstructed it, helping the church become one of the most beautiful religious structures in Vietnam at that time, featuring 19th-century European Gothic architecture. The church was not only a place for religious rituals such as prayer, confession, and baptism, but also a cultural activity center for the Catholic community in Dong Hoi.

In particular, Tam Toa Church is associated with an important historical event: it is the place where poet Han Mac Tu was baptized in 1912, with the Christian name François Nguyen Trong Tri. This further enhances the cultural and spiritual value of the monument.

After the Geneva Accords in 1954, most of the Tam Toa parishioners migrated to the South and established a new parish of the same name in Da Nang. The old Tam Toa Church in Dong Hoi gradually fell into neglect and was no longer used regularly.

The tragic turning point of the church occurred during the Vietnam War, especially from 1964 to 1972. Tam Toa Church became a target of fierce air strikes by the U.S. Air Force and Navy. The climax was an air strike on February 11, 1965, which completely bombed and collapsed the church. Today, only the bell tower remains with countless crisscrossing bullet marks and a section of brick pillars on the old stone foundation, standing tall in the open space.

To mark the imprint of a painful period, on March 26, 1997, the People's Committee of Quang Binh Province issued Decision No. 143/QD-UB, recognizing the bell tower area of Tam Toa church as a War Crimes Evidence Relic Site and a Provincial-level Historical and Cultural Monument. Currently, the church ruins are not only an attraction for tourists but also a profound reminder of the brutality of war, contributing to educating future generations about peace preservation.

Even though only the bell tower remains, the Old Tam Toa Church still exudes an ancient and solemn beauty. Originally built in Portuguese style, the church was later reconstructed with European Gothic architecture in 1940. Some prominent features include:

• Three-story bell tower: Over 10 meters high, built on a solid stone foundation, featuring the characteristic rounded arch of Gothic architecture.
• Ruined walls: Bullet marks and traces of war remain intact, creating a vivid historical picture.
• Prime location: Situated on the bank of the Nhat Le River, next to Dong My Park, the bell tower is a highlight in Dong Hoi's urban space.

Despite being destroyed, the relic still attracts visitors with its ruined beauty, evoking feelings of regret and contemplation about the past.

To meet the spiritual needs of the parish community, on March 26, 1997, the People's Committee of Quang Binh Province granted permission for Tam Toa Parish to build a new church. This structure is located about 2km away from the old church, now on Thong Nhat Street, Nam Ly Ward.

The foundation stone laying ceremony for the new Tam Toa Church took place on April 21, 2006, marking a new beginning full of hope. The structure was built in modern Gothic architecture on a large scale consisting of two floors: the lower floor is used for general community activities and the upper floor is the main worship space. After nearly two decades of construction, the new Tam Toa Parish Church was solemnly inaugurated and consecrated by Bishop Louis Nguyen Anh Tuan on August 12, 2023, opening a new chapter in the history of the Parish's development.

For local people, the Old Tam Toa Church is not just a monument but also a symbol of resilience and faith. Despite undergoing many ups and downs, from the glory of a magnificent cathedral to war ruins, the relic retains a special charm. Many visitors after visiting expressed deep emotion before the ruined beauty and the historical story behind the bell tower.

Poet Han Mac Tu, a native son of Tam Toa, once left emotional verses about faith and homeland. Quoting Bishop Joseph Vo Duc Minh, another son of the parish: "Although far from home, my heart always looks toward the place that brought me into life". These sentiments further enhance the spiritual value of Tam Toa Church.

The old Tam Toa Church is not only an architectural work bearing a strong historical imprint, but also a silent witness to monumental events. After many vicissitudes of time, the ruined bell tower of the old Tam Toa Church still stands tall in the heart of Dong Hoi. It serves as a reminder of a painful past while affirming human resilience and undying faith. The emergence of the new, spacious, and modern Tam Toa Church is proof of the vibrant vitality of the community and the continuation of faith. To gain a deeper insight into this emotional story and fully explore the remaining heritage, join Sovaba Travel on a Tam Toa Church tour today.