Historical Background
The origins of the church date back to the 19th century, during the French colonial period. Officially established by decree on November 23, 1875, the Protestant parish of Boufarik was initially an annex of the Blida parish before becoming independent.
The man behind its early development was Louis Bost (1845–1929) ; the parish’s first pastor. His dedication led to the construction of a proper church building, often referred to as the temple, which became a cornerstone of the Protestant community in the region.
After years of planning and effort, the church was consecrated on May 29, 1881. This marked an important moment for Boufarik’s Protestant population, offering them a permanent place of worship and community gathering.
Architecture and Design
Descriptions from the late 19th century mention that the church, also known locally as “l’église protestante de Boufarik”, featured elegant ogive-style windows, a wooden altar, and an elevated choir area. These details reflected the architectural simplicity typical of Protestant temples , focused on function, harmony, and modest beauty.
The church was located on land granted by the municipality, specifically along what became known as rue Borély-La-Sapie, near the town center. During that period, Boufarik’s town layout included “sa mairie, son église, ses magasins” , its city hall, its church, and its shops, a sign that the church played both a spiritual and social role in daily life.
The Location
Today, the site known as “Tassili Church” or “الكنيسة القديمة” (The Old Church) appears near the APC of بوفاريك and the Théâtre, two major landmarks in the town. Historical maps confirm that this area was indeed central to the colonial layout of Boufarik the heart of administrative and cultural activity.
The Decline and What Remains Today
Like many colonial-era religious buildings in Algeria, the Church of Boufarik underwent several transformations after independence. Official documents mention its existence as late as the early 2000s under the category “Églises protestantes d’Algérie (1833–2003).”