Oldest Churches of Delhi

Tis the season when carolers grace the streets, plum cakes and cookies abound on every corner, kids eagerly pen their wish lists for Santa, and Christmas lights transform the city into a dazzling spectacle. It’s Christmas- the season of joy and merriment. All around the globe, Christmas brings people together to celebrate love, sharing, and the magic of the holiday. In Delhi, Indian Christmas also transforms the city into a radiant spectacle. From Christmas-themed parties and events in the cafes of Hauz Khas to the lively extravagant Christmas Carnivals of Dilli Haat, Delhi certainly dazzles at Christmas. The tradition of celebrating Christmas isn’t new to Delhi. The churches of Delhi also deck up with festive lights, and amidst the hustle and bustle, the sound of holiday music fills the air, performed by cheerful carolers.

The Churches of Delhi have their own story untold, and diverse architectural styles to flaunt. The presence of these churches is a testament to the religious pluralism that has been a trait of Delhi for centuries. Moreover, these churches serve as a tourist attraction as well as an educational resource, for aficionados of art, history, and culture. For the Christian community, these churches hold a deep cultural and spiritual sense and foster a sense of community identity. A visit to these churches shall not only evoke a sense of appreciation for the craftsmanship and design but also for the centuries-old history that they keep secret.

This year, along with the Christmas bashes and fancy brunches, you may add a tour to the oldest churches of Delhi keeping alive the city’s cultural heritage and providing insights into Delhi’s complex social fabric. Here is a list of the must-visit oldest churches in Delhi:

1. St. James Church:

   
   
                       St. James Church Delhi, Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons

You will find the oldest church of Delhi in the earliest settlement of the city, in Kashmiri gate- St. James Church, dating back to 1836. St James Church is the first Christian shrine built in the capital city. St James church, initially also known as Skinner’s church, as James Skinner was the founder of the church. The history of St James Church begins in 1800 AD, when James Skinner then a soldier hired to serve in the army was lying wounded on the battlefield, awaiting his death. In his account, he mentions, he was fighting for Karolee Rajah against Onreah Rajah. In one of these battles, he had been betrayed by his soldiers and was badly wounded, left unattended. Skinner then prayed for his safety and vowed to build a chapel of god, if he could survive the nightmare. Miraculously, his prayers were answered and a Dalit woman came to his help with a basket of bread and water. Thus, James Skinner had survived. Keeping his vow, he built a chapel in honor of the lord. Later on his request, the building was consecrated as a Church (a place of community worship) on 21 November 1836 by Bishop Daniel Wilson the fifth and then Bishop of Calcutta, and the first Metropolitan of India (the British English Church in India).

Until 1931, the church was visited by the viceroy of India. It was once the official church of the British Viceroy of India. It has also been visited by Queen Elizabeth II in 1961 and Archbishop of Canterbury in 1995.

St. James Church is now 187 years old and in 2022 was taken up for restoration. Eight Months later, in August 2023, the church was once again thrown open and restored to its fullest glory. St James church although not much populated, continues to be one of the most revered churches and a historic monument in the city of Delhi. In the present day, it continues to organize Sunday schools for children.

2. St Stephens Church:

                    St. Stephens Church, Delhi; Image Courtesy: Wikimedia commons

Located on the church mission road, is also one of the oldest churches of Delhi built in 1862. It was built by the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, to resurrect itself after the  1857 independence revolt The church is named after St Stephen, who preached Christianity all his life, he was the first Christian martyr and the patron saint of Delhi. The Church, in keeping with the baroque style, has a bell hanging on the tower. 

The typical Gothic style of architecture is the most remarkable part of the Church. Its magnificent blood-painted red exterior is admired by both passers-by and visitors. The arched windows and the stained rose glass windows are unique to the church. The church was painted red to honor the first Christian martyrs in India who lost their lives in the 1857 revolt. 

3. Sacred Heart Cathedral Church:

   
   

Sacred Heart Cathedral Church, Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons

The Sacred Heart Cathedral stands as the second Catholic Church erected in Delhi. Commencing construction in 1922 and concluding in 1935, the church boasts remarkable architecture, capturing the attention with its splendid structure. Crafted from pure Carrara marble, the main altar inside the church adds to its aesthetic allure. Additionally, the church premises house educational institutions for both girls and boys.

A popular destination year-round, the Sacred Heart Cathedral experiences heightened attendance during Christian celebrations such as Easter and Christmas, marked by various ceremonies. Undoubtedly, the Sacred Heart Cathedral has earned its status as one of Delhi’s most renowned churches. They are known to organize one of the most lively and colorful Christmas Carnivals. It also holds a midnight mass every year attended by hundreds of people. In the past year, the church was visited by the esteemed president Draupadi Murmu on the occasion of Christmas Eve.

The history of the Sacred Heart Cathedral Church is quite fascinating. During the Mughal period, Emperor Akbar endeavored to establish a distinctive state religion incorporating teachings from Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Zoroastrianism, termed as Din-e-Illahi. In 1578, he sought the assistance of Catholic priests from Goa to contribute to the formation of this religion, inadvertently promoting the spread of Catholicism in Delhi. Over time, the mission transitioned to the Capuchins and later the Carmelites. The Cathedral, initiated by Fr. Luke Vannucci in 1930, faced financial challenges but received support, including a generous donation from an Anglican minister. The Cathedral’s completion in 1935 marked a significant milestone. Over the years, it underwent renovations and witnessed historical events, including visits by Pope John Paul II. Today, it stands as an enduring symbol of faith, resilience, and architectural beauty in the heart of New Delhi.

4. The Cathedral Church of Redemption:

Cathedral Church of Redemption, Image courtesy: Wikimedia commons

The Cathedral Church of the Redemption, an iconic structure in Delhi, was constructed by Henry Madd and stands near the Rashtrapati Bhavan in India. The most remarkable feature of the church apart from its unique architectural design, is ensuring a consistently cool interior even amidst Delhi’s sweltering heat. You may visit the church during the scorching heat of June and barely mind the heat.  The foundation stone for this cathedral was laid by Lord Irwin, the Governor-General and Viceroy of India, in 1927. After four years of dedicated effort, the magnificent church was unveiled to the public in 1931, becoming one of Delhi’s renowned landmarks. It also serves as a historic monument and is a manifestation of victorian architecture.

Affiliated with the Anglican tradition, the Cathedral Church of the Redemption is often referred to as the Viceroy Church. The remarkable replica of Giovanni Bellini’s Madonna and Child, a masterpiece from the Italian Renaissance, is positioned above the altar. As one of the most revered Catholic churches in New Delhi, it holds a significant place in the religious and historical landscape of the city.



References:

St James Church of Delhi [ONLINE], Available at: http://www.stjameschurchdelhi.com/ 

Fr Augistine Kuriapilly, 2013, Sacred Heart Cathedral Church, Available at: https://sacredheartcathedraldelhi.org/History.aspx 

Tour my India, St Stephens Church, Available at: https://www.tourmyindia.com/states/delhi/st-stephens-church.html 

Nikhil Sharma, 2020, Cathedral Church of the Redemption, Kahaujan, 23 Nov 2020 Available at: https://www.kahajaun.com/cathedral-church-of-the-redemption-delhi/