"Santa Felicitas Church"
The church and organ history
E. F. Walcker & Cia, 1873
The Organ
This organ and its "bigger brother" placed in the Metropolitan Cathedral, are the only
mechanical instruments from Walcker installed in Buenos Aires. Since it has only 14 stops, the
cone valves system in the wind chests, gives the organ a very ligth action.
Some years ago the organ received some damage during (ironicaly) restauration work inside
the building and lack of general security. Fortunately this damage has been repaired
and we can say that today the instrument is in very well condition again.
The Building
This church has a very interesting an tragic story behind its construction. Architectural
design was carried by Ernesto Bunge on the basis of a request from a wealthy family, the
Guerrero's , in order to have a church in memory of their beloved daughter Felicitas who
was murdered in 1872. The building was inaugurated in 1876 without too much publicity.
Felicitas was married at the age sixteen with Martin Alzaga, a rich man quite far older than
her. Six years after that wedding she became a widow. Soon after this, several aristocratic
and rich men made attempts to marry her. Among them was Enrique Ocampo, also a member of
the Buenos Aires's aristocracy.
Finally, Felicitas decided to be married with Samuel Saenz, a rich
farmer. This decission turn Ocampo
completely upset and finally mad for having being took apart from the young lady's
life.... History tells that on January 29th 1872 when Felicitas returned home after a
short trip she founded Mr. Ocampo at her livingroom. After a confuse situation he
murdered her with a gun.
The church displays a beautiful germanic gothic style with only one nave, tryforium and
dome. Inside this building we can found exquisitely elaborated decorative details . Of
special artistic interest are the three altars, paintings, plasters, marbles and many
amazing french "vitraux". At present times the temple is still being restored by the
Goverment of the City of Buenos Aires. They have published the following pictures
taken from the restoration work (vitraux and organ shown here):
