This Gothic church seems out of place in this tropical Central American landscape. But the mountains and surrounds are more similar to the alpine lowlands.

In the late 1800’s this Masterpiece of dramatic form was literally shipped and assembled from Germany. Oxcarts hauled the pieces up from the port through the Central Valley and further up to the high altitudes of San Isidro de Coronado. I live in Coronado but even a bit higher than the city central. The views of this gothic treasure are visible from many places.

In this dairy town of simple farms the church is a point of pride for the people living here. The crown in Coronado.

This weekend may 12-13 is the annual celebration of Saint Labrador in the city of Coronado. He is the Catholic patron saint of farmers. Appropriate for Coronado because it is literally a cow town providing much of the country’s dairy needs.

It is a festival complete with carnival style rides and games as well and music. The Church Bell Tower is open from 10 AM -10 PM for tours that take you all the way to the top via the 130 winding iron steps. On the third level Scott K Wimer is showing his art that he created specifically for this event.

Interior scenes of the church tower as well as some incredible vista photographs from the higher reaches of Coronado.The art is for sale and he will also have smaller prints available. It is a true honor to be asked to exhibit in this important place. The tours normally operate from 5 – 10 pm every evening. Contact the Tour a la torre for more info

This structure is a beauty and it is a must visit place and above all, it should be preserved for future generations.

The San Isidro Labrador’s Parish Church was declared a Historical Architectural Heritage on March 16 2007, by Decree No. 33 635-C, published in La Gaceta No. 54.

The first days of May is the festival of San Isidro. These days you can visit the tower of the Parish, which allows to observe the structure and the beautiful views of the area.

San Isidro Labrador’s Parish Church History

San Isidro Labrador Parish is a structure of formal aspect of Neo Gothic style, a copy of late French Gothic. It is called “neo” because it was built using the technology of the moment and in this case, it is a reinforced concrete structure (concrete-lined steel). The galleries are copies of the Church of Notre Dame and the columns are copy of the transept of the Cologne Cathedral in Germany.

This beautiful design work is shared between the architect Teodoro Quirós and Father Ruben Fernández in 1928, the product of a series of events that begin in 1850.

For the years 1850 to 1860, the residents of San Isidro de la Arenilla had a small “Oratorio”, located between what is now San Antonio and Guayabal of Moravia. It was a small wood construction, very simple and saved the first image of San Isidro, brought by Mr. Carlos Zúñiga from the area of Puriscal in 1834.

In 1862 the community requested the appointment of a Commission to take charge of choosing a proper ground for constructing a new church. This commission was composed by the Engineer Francisco Kurtz and Father Francisco Nereo Bonilla.

After a tour of the surrounding community, they selected the place where the temple is today. In this same period there is a government document issuing an order that from this point, ten quadrants should be drawn to the cardinal points, thus giving origin to the Villa de San Isidro.

• On November 21, 1880 the Temple is blessed. It was built in masonry, in a sober Renaissance style and of great architectural beauty.
• On January 1, 1882 officially begin the Parish functions, being the first parish priest Father Jose Victoriano Mayorga.
• However, in 1910, the devastating earthquake that destroyed the city of Cartago, causes severe damage to the structure of the Temple.
• In 1923 Father Carlos Meneses is appointed as Parish Priest, finding a divided community. He proposes the idea of building a new church and this idea is welcomed by the parishioners.
• On July 18, 1923 Father Rubén Fernández assumes as Parish Priest, due to the unexpected resignation of Father Meneses. The young priest comes with great energy, taking up the idea of the Father Meneses to build a new church.
• Between August and September 1928 the architectural plans are submitted by the architect Teodoro Quirós.
• In September 1928 Father Koch, Director of the Central Seminary, leaves for Germany, with a copy of the plans for the new church, with the goal of delivering the German engineers, for their review, approval and at the same time, to have the design and fabrication of the steel structure.



• On November 6, 1928 German engineers give the go-ahead to the project and initiate the process of designing the metal structure.
• On January 20, 1929 the economic proposal is accepted to fabricate the the metal structure.
• On February 25, 1929 the amount of $11.000 is paid, as an advance equivalent to 30% of the total contracted value.
• On August 23, 1929 the copies of structural plans area received, which leads to the planning of the date for demolishing of the existing temple and the formal organization of the new work.
• On August 27, 1929, the remaining balance for the purchase of the metal structure is canceled.
• On November 15, 1929 docks at the Port of Puntarenas, a day before the estimated date, the steam “Antioquia”, with a precious cargo headed to the community of San Isidro de Coronado.

A total of 1,042 packages, with a weight of 357,790 kg. It is received by the Father Rubén, Mr. Jacinto Rodriguez and his son Leonel Rodriguez Vargas. The notice of arrival is telegraphed to San Isidro and greeted with great joy among the people.

For several weeks the material is transported by train from Puntarenas to San José and discharged at Plaza Víquez. Transportation is free, sponsored by the Government of the Republic. There, in an organized way, it is carried in carts and trucks to the square in front of the Temple.

• On May 18, 1930 is the ceremony of laying the first stone.
• On May 2, 1937 it is requested the production of two bells to the French factory of “Les Fils de George Paccard.”
• Finally, on November 14, 1937 the new Parish Church is consecrated.

Unfortunately, on November 17, 1939 Father Ruben Fernández died, a victim of his effort and hard work. A diabetes, resulting from overwork, cut his life at age 47.

Curiosities

As far as new construction, highlights the use of reinforced concrete foundations (isolated footings) and foundation tie beams, forming a solid support element, a structural aspect far ahead of the time.

The altar located in the Parish Church is of preconciliar order and it was brought to Costa Rica in 1926. Father Ruben Fernández purchase it three years before starting the construction of the new church. This altar is built of Italian marble, magnificently performed by the artist Ferdinand Stufleszer.

The mosaic floors were designed and installed by costarrican workers of Italian origin, of the Doninelli Company, of the late Antonio Doninelli. The designs are varied, with beautiful decorations and placed an excellent way. The flooring installer left his signature, placing one of the tiles in a contrary to the normal position that the design requiered.

The wooden benches of the church are the originals of 1930 to 1945. They were built by Mr. Rigoberto Solano (Mr. Rigo), a resident of San Pedro de Coronado. This artist also did the woodwork for the installation of ceilings, the confessionals, the molding of the timber formwork before casting concrete, as well as the images found in the north and south entrances at the forefront of the doors.

The church has five bells: the little clock, two English and two large bells, called “Isidora” and “Rafaela.”

On May 29, 1934 Father Ruben writes a letter contacting the bell French factory “Les Fils de Georges Paccard”, to quote the cost of two bells. Using a brochure from the factory and after visiting the Temple La Soledad, he choose a bell tone MI, weighing 1,050 kg and diameter at the base of 1.18 meters and the other a bell tone of SOL with a weight of 650 kg and a diameter at the base of 1.00 meters.

On June 21, 1934 the factory responds to the request of Father Ruben with a total cost of 25,915 francs. For unknown reasons, the purchase is not made that year and until March 2, 1937 the negotiations restart for the purchase. The new offer by the bells is 37,005 francs. Despite the difference, the purchase process is resumed and Father Ruben sends the sum of 12,000 francs as advance to work.

By October 1937, the bronze bells arrive at Puntarenas and are moved by train to Plaza Gonzalez Viquez. The bells were dedicated on Sunday November 14, 1937 by Archbishop Otto Rafael Castro and Jimenez.

The tomb of Father Ruben Fernández is located in the side chapel of the north-west of the temple, hidden by the monument of the crucifixion.

The foundation stone for the temple was laid on May 18, 1930, which is buried at least 5 meters of the columns inside the chapel of the Blessed Sacrament. At that time it was attended by the President of the Republic, Mr. Cleto Gonzalez Viquez. In the center of the stone a metal tube was placed with a record of the ceremony and gold and silver coins.

During the construction of the Temple there was only a serious accident that killed young Leonel Rodriguez Vargas, son of the foreman Mr. Jacinto Rodriguez.

The payroll was paid by the parish and had a work accident insurance, issued by the National Insurance Bank, today named National Insurance Institute. The crew consisted of about 15 to 20 workers. The volunteers were not insured and their work was limited to carrying materials or help at the first level.

The concrete was mixed using a diesel mixer, rented for the construction process and there is no record that the concrete was made using shovel. A hoist was used to lift heavy pieces of the structure and bring the materials to the top of the structure. (Source: Parroquia de Coronado, available July 8, 2011)

Scott Wimer calls himself an “artist-photographer Indiana born farm kid wandering about the planet” and although his art gallery is primarily a venue for Scott, he also has a been showing works from other local artists. To keep more up to date with art in Costa Rica, please ask to be added to the mailing list for announcements of events and shows. You can also follow on Facebook here.

Scott Wimer goes to the Gallery every day bright and early and stays untill 6pm. He is the only one who mans the gallery, so it’s always best to telephone first (8305-1607) to confirm he is there and not out painting a mural project somewhere. Although Scott is originally from the U.S., he is now a permanent resident of Costa Rica and recognized as a Costa Rican artist.

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