After Ambarawa was officially established as St. Joseph Parish Ambarawa in 1896, the Surakarta area, which was initially under the Ambarawa Station, automatically became Surakarta Station. Catholic missionary activities in Surakarta developed significantly with the construction of the pastor’s residence by Pastor Cornelis Stiphout SJ in 1905. Additionally, a place of worship was built in 1916 after fundraising efforts and sending a request letter to the Netherlands for financial assistance. However, this construction had to include the name Antonius, so the church was named St. Antonius Church Purbayan. The construction of this church was officially completed in 1917, with Father Cornelis Stiphout SJ serving as the first pastor of Purbayan Parish. The church was built as a mission of Jesus to spread the Gospel; therefore, it was meant to serve and help those who are suffering, weak, and powerless.

This church is the oldest Catholic church in Surakarta. The building features Neo-Gothic architectural style. The floor plan is not completely symmetrical, with an extension on the southern side. The façade is strengthened with a gable roof and decorated with stained glass windows. The roof uses a gable style. The floor material consists of terrazzo tiles measuring 16 x 16 cm in monochromatic brown tones (dark brown, light brown, and cream) with black variations forming geometric patterns. There are pilasters on the walls and windows that show influences of Renaissance and Art Deco styles, characteristic of the Indische Empire Style building.