Seroe Colorado Community Church Officially Transferred to Stichting Monumentenfonds Aruba
For many years, Monuments Fund Aruba (SMFA) has been in discussions with the Government of Aruba regarding the transfer of the Seroe Colorado Community Church to the foundation. During SMFA’s 30th anniversary celebration in June, held on the grounds of the Seroe Colorado Community Church, the Minister of Culture, the Minister of Infrastructure, and the Board of SMFA signed a preliminary agreement for the transfer of the church. The transfer process has now been completed, and SMFA is officially the owner of this historic monument.
For a considerable time, local media have reported on the deteriorating condition of the monument. SMFA has already contributed to minor maintenance work to prevent the building from deteriorating further.
As with every new restoration project undertaken by Monuments Fund Aruba, the first step is to secure the necessary funding to carry out the restoration.
Archiosa Architects N.V., which is celebrating its 35th anniversary, approached SMFA with the offer to assist in the design phase of the Community Church restoration project as a gesture of appreciation to the people of Aruba. The firm has extensive experience with heritage restoration projects and was responsible, among others, for the restoration design of the historic Uncle Louis Store building in 2019.
SMFA is sincerely grateful for this generous contribution, which significantly reduces the overall restoration costs.
As the project moves into its next phases, SMFA is launching its fundraising campaign and calls upon the community of Aruba to support the restoration of the Seroe Colorado Community Church. Together, we can restore this landmark to its former glory and prevent further deterioration that could ultimately lead to its loss.
As a foundation, our goal is to restore the church and breathe new life into this important monument for both the residents and visitors of Aruba.
The Community Church is not only of great significance to Aruba but also to the many people who came to Aruba in the previous century to work at the Lago Refinery, as well as their families, children, and grandchildren. Many attended church services here, were married in the church, or were baptized within its walls. Today, the church continues to serve its congregation.
SMFA is carrying out this restoration project in close cooperation with the Seroe Colorado Community Church Foundation and all other stakeholders.
Project Phases
Provide emergency stabilization (‘first aid’) to the monument by repairing the leaking roof and addressing urgent structural issues.
Renovate the former Sunday School building and the adjacent building next to the Community Church to create meeting rooms, a professional kitchen, and restrooms. These facilities will be available for rental for receptions, weddings, workshops, and other events. The revenue generated will support the monument’s future maintenance.
Renovate and upgrade the surrounding grounds, including the plaza overlooking Baby Beach and the historic rock garden.
Restore the Community Church itself. During the restoration period, the congregation will temporarily use the renovated Sunday School building.
We hope to begin the first phase before the end of this year. To make this possible, we once again call upon the community to support this project and help safeguard the future of the Seroe Colorado Community Church.
Your donation may be tax-deductible. This applies both in Aruba and in the Netherlands, where Stichting Monumentenfonds Aruba has been granted Cultural ANBI status.
Contributing is easy. Simply visit https://gofund.me/1db0f5749 to make a donation and/or share this appeal with your family, friends, and network through social media.
Our heartfelt thanks for helping us preserve our shared heritage for future generations.
