Zhiben Catholic Church Introduction
Zhiben Catholic Church originated in 1954, when it initially rented a thatched house as a preaching venue. Later, land was purchased, and in 1956, the Zhiben Catholic Church, known as "Zhiben Holy Mother of the Immaculate Conception Church," was built. It gradually expanded and established a kindergarten and a Catholic youth meeting hall. The church underwent renovations, during which Father Zeng Jianchi of the Paiwan tribe integrated Paiwan culture into the architectural design of the church. The church is constructed of reinforced concrete, and the interior wooden decorations showcase the cultural features of the Paiwan people. The main space of the church is made of stacked stone slabs, with the edges of the altar carved with Paiwan totems. The surrounding area includes a Virgin Mary pavilion, a memorial for Father Fei Daohong, wooden sculpture installations, a story wall made of stone slabs (depicting the history of the church and Paiwan myths), and a scenic area featuring the Stations of the Cross, exemplifying the integration of indigenous culture with Western religion. Its precious value was registered as a historical building by the Taitung County Government in 2004. Upon approaching the church, one cannot help but be captivated by the stories depicted on the stone slab wall; every pillar inside and outside the church features exquisite carving, and the most eye-catching are the human-shaped wooden benches, rich in Paiwan style and ingenuity. Whether or not one is a believer, the architectural ingenuity and cultural fusion of Zhiben Catholic Church are absolutely impressive!
