In 1627, São Lourenço dos Índios Chapel had its first baptism, authorized by Rio de Janeiro's prelate administrator Mateus da Costa Aboim. In 1769, a new chapel was built made out of stone and lime to replace the previous one built with stucco and straw coverage like an indian hut. It was 19,80 meter long and 6,60 meter wide. In the churchyard, an indian cemetery in the past, the solemnity called "Auto de São Lourenço" - by José de Anchiete and rehearsed by Priest Manuel de Couto - was held in 1686. Without question, it was the first theatrical expression registered in Brazil. Although modest and on top of a hill, São Lourenço dos Índios Church was turned into the category of main church. The church was completely restored in 2000/2001. Only the baked clay tile floor is used up due to the followers walking on it for so many generations. High altar's retable was considered a Jesuitical art standard by Lúcio Costa. In spite of the refurbishments made, due to how fragile the construction was and the time elapsed, São Lourenço dos Índios Church - currently recorded as historic by the Brazilian National Institute of Historic and Artistic Property - is the only relique of such type, recollecting Araribóia's "sesmaria" allotment: the origin, source where Niterói derives from. In 1933, the church was handed over to the City Hall by the Bishopric, and in 1939 it was incorporated the municipal properties as the Historic Monument of Niterói's Foundation ("Monumento Histórico da Fundação de Niterói"). The biggest refurbishments were made in 1840, 1869, 1933 and 2000. All of them respected the original architectonic lines as much as possible. However, the last one was beyond a refurbishment: the church was completely restored and the city received as a 428th anniversary gift (November 22nd, 2001) this totally recovered beautiful example of Jesuitical architecture. Despite all controversies, São Lourenço dos Índios Church is the oldest church in the city of Niterói.