Iglesia Virgen Niña, Catholic church in Villa Elisa, Argentina.
The Iglesia Virgen Niña is a German Neo-Gothic church in Villa Elisa, Entre Ríos, built from October 1936 to designs by priest Jorge Schroeder and opened for Mass in 1942. Its tower was added in 1985 and completed in 2000 with the upper turrets and exterior paint. Inside, modern paintings by Santa Fe artist Andrés Mirwald depict Christian images.
The parish was founded in 1890 by Héctor de Elía, and a committee of neighbours began collecting funds in May 1891, most settlers giving ten fanegas of wheat each. In May 1893 de Elía donated 120,000 bricks and agreed to pay builder Pedro Sala in land for the labour. The first church was finished in 1897 and still stands behind the present one; the parish was created on 19 June 1913 by decree of Monseñor Abel Bazán y Bustos.
The interior paintings are modern works on Christian themes by the Santa Fe artist Andrés Mirwald. The parish was raised on 19 June 1913 by decree of Monsignor Abel Bazán y Bustos, after sixteen years as a chaplaincy, and became the spiritual centre of a large area. Father Jorge Schroeder, who drew the plans, is buried beside the main altar.
The site is located near the historical museum El Porvenir and a local monument, both within walking distance in town. The place remains active for community use, so it is wise to check visiting times to avoid interrupting services or events.
The original chapel from 1897 still stands behind the current building and is protected as a historical landmark. This older structure offers glimpses into the early days of the place of worship and reflects the town's growth over more than a century.
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