Huyen Sy Church, Saigon/HoChiMinh City

The Huyen Sy Church is an active parish church with a vibrant congregation in Ho Chi Minh City. It was built using funds donated by Huyen Sy a scion of the wealthy Phat Dat family and the grandfather in law of the last king of Vietnam, Bao Dai.

The Huen Sy Church was built in 1902. It was designed by the catholic priest and architect, Father Boutier. It was consecrated as the Dui Market Church and later called the Philippe Church. It is popularly known from its foundation till today as the Huen Sy Church. There is a statue of Saint Mathew le Van Gam in front of the church. He was a catholic priest who was imprisoned and beheaded for converting people to Christianity in 1847.

The Huen Sy Church has a neo gothic design. The walls are made of granite from Bien Hoa near Saigon. The structure has the design typical of European churches except for the windows. The small size of the windows is to keep out the glare of the hot tropical sun. The marble tombs of Monsieur and Madame Huen Sy are located near the nave. The ceiling of the dome is covered with Italian glass. The 57 meter high bell tower houses four bells that were made in France in 1405.