Hua Phai Catholic Church, officially known as St. Philip and James Catholic Church, is located at 70 Ban Hua Phai, Khok Khi Non Subdistrict, Phan Thong District, Chonburi Province. It is a Roman Catholic church under the jurisdiction of the Chanthaburi Diocese, overseeing an area of more than 13,000 rai. In the past, this vast plain was completely uninhabited and filled with wild animals, especially fierce wild elephants. The area was first pioneered in 1872 (B.E. 2415) by Father Mathurin François Marie Guego, who, along with a few Chinese catechists, gathered people to settle in this wilderness between Bang Pakong and Phanat Nikhom. Initially, a small temporary chapel was built, which also served as a storage place. As the community grew, Father Guego later constructed a permanent church that was completed in 1880 (B.E. 2423) and dedicated to St. Philip and St. James.

 

The first church building, constructed in 1879 (B.E. 2422), was a two-story wooden structure with a hip roof decorated with six lotus motifs. The walls were made of bamboo plastered with mortar. The ground floor was used as a stable for cattle and buffaloes, while the upper floor was reserved for religious services. The construction was led by Mo Mak, a former slave freed by Father Guego who possessed exceptional woodworking and construction skills. In those early days, the area surrounding the church was dense jungle inhabited by tigers, elephants, wild buffalo, wild boars, deer, barking deer, crocodiles, and poisonous snakes. Villagers had to carry firearms to protect themselves and to drive away herds of wild elephants. Father Guego also established a school in the church grounds, where Latin was used as the language of instruction. This first church served the community for 49 years before being dismantled and replaced by the second church during the tenure of Father Jacob Louis Kaeng Koetsawang, who later became the first bishop of the Chanthaburi Diocese. Today, the original site of the first church has been filled and transformed into the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes as a place of devotion.

 

The second church was built when the first structure had deteriorated. Father Jacob Louis Kaeng Koetsawang sought and received permission from Bishop René Marie Joseph Perros to construct a new church. The new building was rectangular, about 8 to 10 rooms long, with large gables and structural columns supporting the roof. The interior was divided into two main sections: the entrance hall and the main worship area. The sanctuary at the front included the altar, presider’s chair, and tabernacle, with statues of saints placed above the altar. Seating was arranged by gender, with women seated on the left and men on the right. This second church held great historical significance as it was where Father Jacob Louis Kaeng Koetsawang was consecrated as the first Thai bishop on February 11, 1945 (B.E. 2488). It also served as the first chancery office of the Chanthaburi Diocese before being relocated to Si Racha District. Today, this building has been repurposed as a quiet prayer chapel.

 

The third and current church building was initiated by Father Eugène Bunchoo Rangapism to replace the second church, which had been damaged by time and war. This church is remarkable for its traditional Thai architectural style. It measures 72 meters in length, symbolizing the crucifixion of Jesus at the age of 36, and 22 meters in width, with two floors. The roof incorporates traditional Thai elements such as chofah, bai raka, and hang hong, with a cross replacing the traditional chofah at the top. Inside, the most distinctive feature is the ciborium canopy over the main altar, a unique design not seen in any other Catholic church in Thailand at that time. The interior walls are adorned with intricate lotus motifs, while the ceiling is decorated with star patterns representing the heavens. Stained glass windows add color and light to the sacred space. Construction began on May 11, 1960 (B.E. 2503), with the foundation stone laid on May 31, 1960, and was completed and consecrated exactly five years later on May 11, 1965 (B.E. 2508). The total construction cost was 1,700,000 baht, and Father Eugène personally designed and supervised the project. The church later became the site of the episcopal consecration of Bishop Thienchai Samanchit on October 3, 1971 (B.E. 2514).

 

Although the third church remains an architectural masterpiece, time has taken its toll. The ceiling has begun to collapse, structural beams have cracked, and more than 70% of the concrete has deteriorated. After a thorough inspection, Father John Baptist Vichian Chantapiriyakoon, then parish priest, determined that the current building must be dismantled and rebuilt to ensure safety and preserve the legacy of faith for future generations.

 

Father Eugène also encouraged the establishment of small chapels in surrounding villages so that parishioners could gather for prayer and worship closer to their homes. These chapels were named in honor of the Virgin Mary, and each hosts an annual celebration that strengthens the faith and unity of the local Catholic community. Examples include the Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel, located on the original site of the first church, the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Chapel at Naen Tha Kham, the Our Lady of Perpetual Succor Chapel at Naen Khu-Kraphang Bon, the Our Lady of Victory Chapel at Naen Klom, and the Our Lady of Fatima Chapel at Naen Chuat Lang.

 

Over its long history, Hua Phai Catholic Church has been led by many pastors, beginning with Father Mathurin François Marie Guego, the pioneer who founded the church in 1872, up to Father Joseph Angkarn Charoensatsiri, who serves as the current pastor. Today, the church stands not only as a place of worship but also as a cultural and historical landmark of Catholicism in eastern Thailand. It represents over 150 years of unwavering faith, symbolizing the perseverance and devotion of the local Christian community, and continues to fulfill the mission envisioned by its founders.