Church of Saint Lazarus

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Açores > Calheta > Norte Pequeno > Canada da Igreja

Location

The Church of São Lázaro is located in the locality of Norte Pequeno, which is part of the municipality of Calheta, on the island of São Jorge, Azores. More specifically, it is found in the area designated as Canada da Igreja. Its position on the island's north coast offers a perspective of the surrounding landscape, characteristic of this area.

An Ancient History

The roots of religious presence in this location are deep, dating back to the 17th century. It was in 1690 that the first structure was erected here, a modest hermitage dedicated to Saint Lazarus. This small temple was the starting point for the community, growing in importance and status over the following decades.

In the year 1712, the hermitage was elevated to the category of curacy, a significant step in its autonomy. Later, in 1748, the connection to the Mother Church of Calheta, the Church of Santa Catarina, was formally severed, granting the Hermitage of São Lázaro its own status and greater independence in the religious life of the parish.

Post-Earthquake Reconstruction

The temple's trajectory was not without challenges. In 1757, a devastating earthquake struck the island, resulting in the complete destruction of the original hermitage. However, the community's will to re-establish its place of worship was strong.

Shortly after the earthquake, construction began on the church we see today. This undertaking was driven by the initiative of Father Nicolau António Silveira, with the works supervised by José de Avelar de Melo. The dedication and effort allowed the new building to be completed in 1761, marking a new chapter in the history of local faith and resilience.

The Parish Temple

Since its completion in the 18th century, the Church of São Lázaro has served as the main religious temple of Norte Pequeno, playing a central role in the life of the community. It is an example of the religious architecture of its time, a testament to the heritage built after the seismic events that shaped the region.

The church maintains its original function as a place of worship and gathering, being a landmark in the local landscape. Its presence is a reminder of historical continuity and the importance of faith for the inhabitants of Norte Pequeno throughout the centuries.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt