A charming and important landmark building, the first protestant church on Aruba was erected in 1846, and still stands in the shadow of the larger, more modern structure located at the head of the Wilhelminastraat in Oranjestad.

The historic building is in a deplorable state, and members of the church started the initiative to renovate and convert it into a nondenominational chapel available to all faiths for quiet reflection. The ultimate goal is to provide a place convenient for spiritual contemplation and refreshment in the mornings, before most start their hectic work day.

The building is to be constructed with typical materials of the time, which included coral rock and limestone, cemented with the adobe particular to the island. Mrs. Kock, representing the government’s participation in the project, is handling the technical details of the project. She explained the many challenges of restoring and preserving such materials, and the work that will be done, which includes replacing the roof tiles, the ceiling, the wooden windows and doors, as well as mortaring and painting the entire structure.

C2 Civil & Construction was awarded and trusted with the task to renovate the oldest church in Oranjestad. Kerki 1846 was renovated maintaining its characteristics from the early days. Using the same materials we accomplished this project thanks to our team’s attention to details.