Pragativahini News, Belgavi
A feeling of calm timelessness and intense spirituality is what you feel as you enter the stately St Mary’s Church set in the green environs of Camp in Belgaum. The curved arches, the ancient walls, the teak wood alter all give you the feeling of being back in time. As this church celebrates its 150th year of consecration, let us take a trip down history.
A Brief History of the Church
In the early 1800s, a contingent of the British army was stationed in Belgaum inside the Fort. A chapel was built inside so that the troops could worship there. This was called ‘All Saints Christ Church Chapel.’
When the Portuguese reinforced their Naval presence off the coast of Goa and their army presence in the land, the British retaliated by increasing their presence in Belgaum. The small troupe contingent was now converted into a full Garrison. These troops now inhabited the small cantonment area settlement (now known as Camp). The Army Engineers began the construction of a church in 1863-64.
The church was consecrated in 1869 by the Bishop of the Bombay Presidency, in the presence of the Governor of the Bombay Presidency and a representative of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Church of England. The ceremony took place on the 15th of April, 1869, and the church was named ‘The Church of St Mary the Virgin’.
In 1930, the church was renamed St Mary’s Church, but the locals continued to refer it as Church Of England or ‘High Church’.
A statement in Gothic Architecture
The church has been constructed in the Gothic style out of locally available materials, pink stone from Gokak and teak and rosewood from Dandeli. No cement, iron or steel has been used in the construction. The stately carved arches, pillars and the tiled roof stay true to the style of architecture even today.
The altar area of the church is set upon a marble area. The altar table is made of teak and overlooked by rosewood paneling. An intricately made Belgian stained-glass collage towers over the altar area. Showcasing the life, death, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ in 12 individual pieces, the exquisite piece is a testament to the true Italian craftsmanship. As one enters the church, a feeling of timelessness and history and a deep sense of spirituality is felt.
The church post-independence
After independence, when the British army left Belgaum, the church was handed over to the Indian Army Garrison. In 1958 it was then handed over to a civilian administration. Today, St Mary’s Church is the property of the Bombay Diocesan Trust Association Private Limited (BDTA). This Trust holds and looks after all the Garrison Anglican churches and related property across Western India.
St Mary’s Church follows the Anglican form of worship. The church is under the pastoral care of the Church of South India, Dioceses of North Karnataka, Dharwad.
A.N.Gnanakan, Secretary and T.S.Asangi explain the history of the church to the media persons today.
ಪ್ರಗತಿವಾಹಿನಿ ಸುದ್ದಿಗಳನ್ನು ನಿಮ್ಮ ಸ್ನೇಹಿತರಿಗೆ, ಬೇರೆ ಗ್ರುಪ್ ಗಳಿಗೆ ಶೇರ್ ಮಾಡಿ
