The National Museum of Prehistory (NMP) inaugurated the exhibition “Echoes of Light: The Modern Churches of Hualien and Taitung by Br. Julius Felder, SMB” on Mar. 21. The exhibition showcases seven representative catholic churches designed by Br. Julius Felder, SMB, through architectural models, hand-drawn blueprints, and a documentary featuring oral histories.
In 2007, Br. Julius Felder, SMB donated 2,649 architectural designs to the NMP as part of the museum’s collection. This exhibition highlights seven of his churches, including Church of St. Stephen (長光天主堂), Hsiaoma Church of St. Nicolas (小馬天主堂), Church of St. Teresa (泰源天主堂), Church of St. Paul (桃源天主堂), Church of the Queen of the Apostles (寶桑天主堂), Church of Christ the King (都蘭天主堂), and the Presbyterian Church of Taitung (臺東基督長老教會), offering insights into the development of Taiwan’s east coast and the impact of cross-cultural and cross-ethnic exchanges.
At the inauguration ceremony, Vice Minister of Culture Hsu Yi-chun (徐宜君) emphasized the deep connection between these churches and the land, as well as their contributions to Taiwanese society. She also underscored the NMP’s vital role in fostering dialogue between Taiwan’s past and present.
NMP director Tsai Cheng-liang (蔡政良) remarked that NMP stated that the museum aspires to serve as a hub linking Taiwan’s prehistoric culture, Austronesian history, and contemporary society and environment, encouraging reflection on Taiwan’s place in the world.
The exhibition is taking place until Oct. 7. For more information, visit NMP official website or Facebook page.