復甦故事

十二寮天主堂興建於1963年間，是早期新竹教區所屬的教堂之一，由美國瑪利諾外方傳教會的馬覺民神父（Rev. James A. McCormick）負責管理。

馬神父透過苗栗老縣長林為恭的交誼，由林前縣長的外祖母黃老夫人（十二寮人士）提供土地無償捐建教堂，於當地推廣美援工作和福傳事工，直到馬神父調任大湖，由其他神父接管教堂。

教堂的現況和土地歷經幾代的更迭下，其間無法處理的諸多因素中，主要是包圍該教堂周邊的不同土地持有人，需分別徵詢意見和協調的困難棘手，久而久之讓教堂成了廢墟。

近年網路世界開始流行起在老屋、廢墟自拍的美學風潮，也讓這座隱身於鄉野湖畔和樹叢雜草中廢棄已久的小教堂逐漸在網路上傳了開來。有著地中海式建築和西班牙紅瓦屋頂的天主堂，其破舊牆垣、聖殿、圓拱門廊和十字架、圓形鏤窗讓教堂充滿斑駁色彩，是個極具歲月風情之地，一度被喻為台灣最美麗滄桑的廢墟教堂。

直至2018年，我們為這座美麗的教堂積極奔走，在各方的協助與天主的祝福之下成功地取得所有權，計畫讓這棟年久失修，多處坍塌損毀的教堂重現風華。未來將結合地方產業，更融入當地居民的生活。

Established in 1963, The Chapel of Angels was one of churches of the Diocese of Hsinchu, pastored by Fr. Rev. James A. McCormick from Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers. Everything began with the support from one of the local resident Mrs. Hwang when she first learned about Fr. James’ will on building a church at Shi’erliao area. With Mrs. Hwang’s tremendous generosity and assistance, she not only donated the site for chapel but also helped to promote “The U.S Aid to Taiwan” and some missionary works, until Fr. James’ transfer to his next assignment and was replaced by another priest. 

While several reasons made the chapel been abandoned, the most difficult one was the complicated land ownership outside the chapel site due to inheritance by generations from the original owners. However, the chapel once again became famous in recent years and was well known as “the most beautiful ruins” because of the beauty of the chapel’s Spanish building design, even it was not in good condition after so many years.

After a long journey in years, the chapel’s refurbishing plan was finally kicked off in 2018 with so much blessing and assistance. We aim to bring these memories of the chapel’s beauty and charm back to the local communities and, of course, everyone, just like when the chapel was built.