Presbyterian Cathedral of Rio of Janeiro, Presbyterian church building in Centro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The Presbyterian Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro stands at Rua Silva Jardim in the city centre, a grey Gothic Revival facade with two tall square towers flanking a central gabled section. Each tower carries pointed-arch louvered openings and pinnacles; the centre holds a large pointed-arch portal framed by statues in niches, with a circular rose window above and rows of narrow pointed-arched windows below. Steps and a metal fence lead to the main door.
Ashbel Green Simonton organized the congregation on January 12, 1862, the first Presbyterian church in Brazil. It met at various sites until acquiring the current one in December 1870, and the first church building opened on March 29, 1874. In 1926 Rev. Matthias Gomes de Santos had architect Ascanio Viana redesign it in Neo-Gothic style; the work lasted about 14 years, with renovations up to 2002.
The congregation was founded on 12 January 1862 by Rev. Ashbel Green Simonton, and the church keeps the name of Rev. Álvaro Reis, pastor from 1897 to 1925, in a Rio middle school and a square. Services are held in Portuguese in the Gothic Revival nave.
The cathedral is located in the city center at Rua Silva Jardim and is easily accessible by multiple public transportation options since the district is well-connected. Visitors should plan their visit around Sunday services and scheduled events when the space is most active.
The building received INEPAC classification recognizing its importance in Rio's architectural and religious heritage. This designation highlights how the structure contributed to the city's cultural development.
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