Historic Churches in Meru
St. Joseph’s Cathedral: Of a Latin Cross Plan
Known for its modern yet reverent baroque design, laid out in a simple Italian Latin cross plan, St. Joseph’s Cathedral enduring presence and influence of the Catholic Church in the Meru is novel. Rather outstanding are its soaring spires with extended stakes. Still and all, this immense brick holding oozes superior workmanship in the stonework and high bell tower, a fine example of how early missionaries adopted Italian Gothic architecture, emphasizing height. It bears a resemblance to Nyeri Cathedral, both drawing inspiration from Turin in France.
One of the defining characteristics of Italian Gothic was the sense of verticality, which was sought after in every building. The idea was that the more vertical the building would feel, the closer the faithful visitors would feel to God. The main axis is the most important and defines the order of the composition. The walls are undeviating in their composition trimmed with columns and large windows. These elements allow for open, illuminated spaces in the interior. High above the nave, the vaulted ceiling is a deliberate choice to highlight a variety of spiritual truths. It also helps to meet the climatic needs and also to give it a sense of monumentality.
The Catholic faith in Meru was brought in by the Consolata Missionaries from Turin, Italy in 1911. Just two before, in 1909 Filippo Perlo, had founded the Nyeri vicariate and established the Mathari Mission. He also founded the 1,000 acres Nyeri Hill Farm created for the support of the mission. The ecclesiastical edifice of Our Lady Consolata Nyeri Cathedral was opened in 1957. Both these Cathedrals, Nyeri and St. Joseph’s, bear a kindred resemblance to Chapel of the Holy Shroud (Capella della Sacra Sindone) in Turin France, well-famous as the current resting place of the Shroud of Turin. It, too, has a chapel connecting the apse of the lovely cathedral with the west wing of the Royal Palace adorned with garland bell tower.
Meru Diocese was founded on March 10th, 1926 as the Prefecture Apostolic of Meru. It was elevated to the Diocese of Meru on May 7th, 1953 as a suffrage of the Archdiocese of Nyeri. On 2nd May 1953, the Prefecture of Meru had been created to the Diocese of Meru with Mons. Bessone Lorenzo as its premier Bishop in 1954. Bishop Bessone died on 7th April, 1976 and Mons. Silas S. Njiru was elected as the second and the first African Bishop of Meru on 9th December, 1976. It has grown over the years to become a central place of worship for the Catholic community in Meru and its environs. St. Joseph’s Cathedral is set 1 km north of Meru Museum.
You don’t have to be religious, or even spiritual, to enjoy a beautiful old church. The architecture, the stained glass, the history, and the famous graves all make visiting historic churches a fulfilling activity on any trip. Kenya has a lot of very old and lovely churches, and you can enter most of them free of charge, at any time.
Index of Historic Churches in Kenya
Baringo County - St. Swithin's Church, Elgeyo Marakwet County - Wewo Catholic Church, Homa Bay County - SDA Church Gendia, Asumbi Catholic Church, Isiolo County - St. Eusebius Cathedral, Kericho County - AIC Kericho, The Sacred Heart Cathedral, ACK Kericho, Kiambu County - St. Mary's of the Angels Church, All Saints Limuru, Watson Scott Memorial Church, PCEA Thogoto Mission Church, Kilifi County - Thomas Wakefield Memorial Methodist Church, The Portuguese Chapel, ACK Rabai Church, Kisumu County - St. Theresa’s Cathedral, Kitui County - AIC Ikutha, Lamu County - Lamu Catholic Church, Machakos County - AIC Mumbuni, Makueni County - AIC Kalamba, Kyale Catholic Church, Meru County - St. Joseph's Cathedral, Kaaga Methodist Church, Migori County - Komotobo Mission Church, Mombasa County - The ACK Mombasa Memorial Church, Holy Ghost Cathedral, ACK Emmanuel Church, Muranga County - Muranga St. James & All Martyrs Church, Tuthu Catholic Church, Nairobi County - St. Stephen Cathedral, St. Austins Cathedral, The All Saints Cathedral, Nakuru County - The Church of Goodwill Elementaita, Remembrance Church Njoro, Nyandarua County - Knessiah 7th Day Jewish Main Synagogue, Nyeri County - Tumu Tumu Hill Church, The Consolata Nyeri Cathedral, PCEA St Curthbert Church, Italian Memorial Church, Samburu County - Baragoi Catholic Mission, Siaya County - Rangala Catholic Church, Taita Taveta County - St. Marks Anglican Church, The Bura Mission Catholic Church, ACK Trinity Church Mahoo, Tana River County - Ngao Neukirchen Church, Hola Methodist Church, Tharaka Nithi County - PCEA Chogoria Church, Trans Nzoia County - St. Lukes Anglican Cathedral, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Vihiga County - Kidundu Friends Church, Kima Church of God, African Divine Church, West Pokot County - The Holy Cross Church Kacheliba, The Dini ya Roho Mafuta Pole ya Africa
Famous for its wildlife, rich agricultural lands, and stunning natural attractions, Meru County, on the north-eastern slopes of Mount Kenya, is the immemorial enclave of the Ameru nation. Inhabited mainly by the sub-tribes of Imenti, Tigania, Igembe, and Tharaka, Meru County has one of the best developed touring circuits.
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Explore Destinations Nearby St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Meru
A Guide to Meru County
A Summa Digest of Meru
About Meru Way Back When
65 Destinations in Meru County, arranged as one would visit these - south, north, east then west - with the aid of in-depth narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:
Kierra Valley, Kierra Ridge, St. Mary’s High School, Anabas Resort Trout and Seafood Grill, Tharuu Springs, Giitune Sacred Forest, M.Mpuri Cultural Centre, Meru Museum, St. Joseph's Cathedral, Meru Sports Club, Alba Hotel, Kathita Falls, Irine (Devil's Bridge) Falls, Cool Stream Garden, Thiiri Cultural Centre, Kaaga Methodist Church, Kaaga War Memorial, Kiathandi Hill, Mpogoro Forest, Stone Woman Kieiga Forest, Njuri Ncheke Headquarters at Nchiru, Ngaya Forest, Meru National Park, Twin Baobab Tree, Elsa’s Kopje, Ikweta Safari Camp, Adamson Falls Bridge, Rhino River Camp, Giant Meru Oak, Lake Nkunga, Mucheene Forest Station, Mucheene Cave, Lake Thai, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Sirikoi House, Nyambene Reserve, Liga Ria Ngutu, Lake Magado, Ngare-Ndare Forest Reserve, Ngare-Ndare Falls, Mount Kenya National Park, Sirimon Route, Mount Kenya One Day Trip, Theemwe Route, Theemwe Springs, Marania Route, Lake Rutundu, Rutundu Log Cabins, Chogoria Route, Nithi Falls, The Gates Falls, Lake Alice, Lake Ellis, Lake Michaelson, Vivienne Falls, Timau River Lodge, Wonky House, Tamalu Farm, Charanna Farm, Kisima Farm, Kisimani Resort, Mwonyo Valley, Giant Footprints
Know More About Meru County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including distance chart, Airports, Climate & National Monuments
Meru County’s positioning on the eastern slopes of Mount Kenya and the equator has highly influenced its natural conditions and economic prospects. Altitude ranges from 300m to 5,199m asl.
The topography of Meru County has a critical influence on its climate. Temperatures range from a low of 8 Degrees to a high of 32 Degrees Celsius during the cold and hot seasons respectively.
