Zhiben Catholic Church Introduction
The Zhiben Catholic Church originated in 1954. Initially, a straw house was rented as a place for preaching. Later, land was purchased, and in 1956, the Zhiben Catholic Church, officially named "Zhiben Church of the Immaculate Conception," was built. Over time, it expanded and established a kindergarten and a Catholic youth center. The church underwent renovations during which Father Zeng Jian-chi of the Puyuma tribe integrated Puyuma culture into the architectural design of the church. The structure is made of reinforced concrete, with wooden carvings on the exterior reflecting the cultural characteristics of the Puyuma people. The main space of the church is constructed from slate, with Puyuma totems carved along the edge of the altar. Surrounding the church are the Virgin Mary Pavilion, a memorial for Father Hu Dao-hong, wood sculptures, a slate story wall (depicting the history of the church and Puyuma myths), and a Stations of the Cross landscape area, exemplifying the integration of indigenous culture into Western religion. Due to its precious value, it was registered as a historical building by the Taitung County Government in 2004. Upon approaching the church, visitors are inevitably drawn to the story wall made of slate. The detailed carvings on every column inside and outside the church are remarkable, and the most striking feature is the human-shaped wooden pews, rich in Puyuma style and creativity. Whether or not one is a believer, the architectural ingenuity and cultural fusion of Zhiben Catholic Church are absolutely breathtaking!
