opening of the 20th century, there were several changes to the parish. In 1904, apart from the installation of the curia, the hermitage's bell-tower was inaugurated and in 1911, the first weddings and baptisms were held. In 1916, the locality obtained its first cemetery, provided from lands donated by the municipality of Lagoa, through the diligence of João Ribeiro de Lima. In addition, in 1935, the municipal council of Lagoa inaugurated the first school building in Ribeira Chã. In 1956, a new cleric arrived from the island of São Jorge, João Caetano Flores, who was a central figure in the parishes history. He revolutionized the region, initiating a period of growth and progress. In 1962, a new roadway was inaugurated to Ribeira Chã, while a year later the first bus began to connect the parish with Nossa Senhora do Rosário, three times daily. The following year the historical hermitage of São José was destroyed, while the new church was being constructed. A modernist design, the new church was inaugurated in 1967, designed by architect Read Teixeira, who integrated a mosaic authored by painted Tomás Borba Vieira in the project. But, before its opening, in 1965, the new library and parochial cantinna was inaugurated. Before his death, Father Flores was present for the inauguration of the three museological centers in the parish: two during the 1980s (the Ethnographic Gardens and Sacred Art Museum), while the latter (Museum Residence of Maria dos Anjos Melo) in the 1980s. Father Flores was also the originator of a gastronomic fair, that began to run bi-annually. Under decree 47014, Ribeira Chã was elevated to the status of parish on 18 May 1966, at the same time creating the ecumenical parish of the same name. Architecture Church of São José (), a modernist church by architect Read Texeira, constructed on an elevated platform, once occupied for 111 years by smaller hermitage. Culture The church and the local ethnography museums offer glimpses into the cultural life of this agrarian society, that includes a children's garden, multi-purpose sports gymnasium, children's recreational center and seniors center. Museum of Sacred Art (), a reconstructed homage to the old Church of Ribeira Chã (1853-1965), that preserves the traditional images of Saint Joseph, Our Lady of Ajuda, Saint Anthony and the 1902 tabernacle. In addition, the old sacristy includes a ceramic reservatory, executed in 1870 and transported to Expo98 in Lisbon. Museum Residence