180-year-old church waiting for a miracle
THEN: 1857 NOW: 2017
is the place where two notable citizens of Delhi — Master Ram Chander and Chiman Lal were baptised in July 1852. Chander was a Mathematics teacher at a government college and Lal was working as a government sub-assistant surgeon.
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, duke of Edinburgh also worshipped here in 1961.
The church almost turned to ruins during the mutiny in 1857. The mutineers shot down its gilt cross and the bell.
The structure was attacked with cannons, rendering its walls badly mutilated. St James’ Church also served as a semi official church during the British empire where viceroys worshipped. It was designated as the semi-official church of the government and of the Army headquarters after Delhi achieved its status as Capital of British India in 1911.
“Until the shifting of the British Capital to New Delhi, St James’ Church was mostly frequented by the East India Company officers and Christians living in Delhi. When, the British took over the city after the mutiny, it assumed significance and the number of worshippers increased,” said Satish Jacob, a veteran journalist.
However, this glory was shortlived. It was considered by the British government that this modest church would not suffice for imperial purposes. Hence, its semi-official status ceased in 1931 and the Church of Redemption (near Rashtrapati Bhavan in North Avenue) was conferred the semi-official title instead.
“Still, there are about 200 members on the church’s roll and worship takes place every Sunday, in which around 100 odd people participate. The number is higher on occasions like Christmas,” says Baluja. At present, the restoration of the church is faced with one major challenge. Two underground tracks of Delhi Metro’s Heritage line (connecting Mandi House and Kashmere Gate station), passes through the church’s compound and are just five metres away from the building.
Ajay Kumar, project director, INTACH Delhi chapter, said the exact amount of damage to the foundation of the church due to vibrations caused by Metro rail movement is not known but the work to stabilise the underpinning has successfully been completed.
“Due to concentrated water seepage, the plinth protection was damaged. During the rains, the ground water level increases exceptionally in the area and water gets into the foundations. Leakages in the roof are also damaging the structure. Under the first phase, safety measures to prevent possible damage to its foundation has been taken,” he adds.