On Saturday, November 23, the Central Church of Lisbon was packed with members and guests celebrating a unique event: the centenary of the Adventist Temple of the Central Church of Lisbon. Built in 1924, the building, designed by the renowned architect Porfírio Pardal Monteiro, is a historical and architectural landmark in the Portuguese capital, a testimony to the artistic beauty of its time, and the announcement of the functional modernity of the school that followed.
The Adventist Temple, which stands as a monument of national historical and cultural interest, was designed by Porfírio Pardal Monteiro, one of the most famous Portuguese architects of the 20th century. Despite being a candidate for the prestigious Valmor Architecture Prize, the building was not accepted for the competition due to its religious function. Still, the temple stands out as an architectural jewel, with features that were considered innovative at the time, such as the descending audience seating that improves the view of the pulpit and the decoration that symbolically refers to the spiritual connection with God.
José Pardal Monteiro, the architect's great-nephew, was present at the celebration and made a point of highlighting his predecessor's artistic and functional vision. “This temple is proof of the genius of Porfírio Pardal Monteiro, who managed to combine aesthetic beauty with modern functionality. The unique features of this building, such as the inclined audience [seats], still inspire and serve as an example for many contemporary projects,” he said.
The centerpiece of the celebration was a commemorative concert, in which an inter-religious choir—made up of members of the local church, churches in the region and guest singers and musicians—presented attendees with a selection of religious music, under the baton of the Maestro Gerson Coelho. The voice of narrator Josefa Alcobia brought moments of reflection, as she evoked the history of the temple and its relevance in the cultural and spiritual context of Lisbon, permeating the musical pieces.
"Every note and every word of this concert serves to remind us that this space is more than a building: it is a meeting place between people and God," highlighted Pastor Amorim, ecclesiastical leader of the community.
Another notable moment of the celebration was the speech by José Eduardo Vera Jardim, president of the Religious Freedom Commission, who praised the historical relevance of the Adventist Temple and the influence of the community in the city and the country. He also highlighted the need for local authorities to comply with the Religious Freedom Act, which recognizes the importance of finding public spaces for the construction of centers of worship for different religious communities.
“The existence of a space like this demonstrates our society’s commitment to religious diversity and the wealth that comes from it. It is essential that we continue to ensure that all communities have the space they need to live their faith,” declared Vera Jardim. He praised the public work of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, recognizing its role in defending religious freedom and supporting local communities.
Pastor António Amorim, head pastor for the Central Church of Lisbon, reinforced the role of the Adventist Temple in serving the Church and the community, highlighting the role of the pioneers in its construction and expressing that it is open to all those seeking an encounter with God. “This space was created with the intention of bringing people closer to God and providing an environment of peace, reflection, praise, and communion. It is a place with open arms, as the cross exemplifies, where everyone is welcome,” he said.
To mark the centenary, the National Postal Service (CTT) launched a commemorative postcard, which celebrates the history and impact of the Adventist Temple in the city of Lisbon. A special copy was signed by the people present, preserving this moment of celebration and recognition over time.
With this event, the importance of continuing to preserve spaces like the Adventist Temple became clear, because they not only reflect the architecture of a period and the history of its community but are mainly an opportunity to express gratitude and praise to God for His gifts and protection. They are also a reflection on the importance of maintaining and deepening the public presence of the Church in the community. The centennial celebration was more than a look into the past–it was a call to action on how the Church can influence society by its presence, not just by its buildings but by bringing God's presence into the lives of people in their return, receiving them and going to meet them.
The Centenary of the Adventist Temple of the Central Church of Lisbon will be remembered as a celebration of faith, gratitude, action, art, and freedom.
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