St. Mary's English Church Nadakavu, Kerala

St. Mary's English Church, Nadakavu. csistmarysenglishchurch.com

St. Mary's English Church, Nadakavu. www.elatrip.com

After the British Crown took over the administration from the East India company, the British established their strong presence in the Southern State of India what is now called Kerala, more British military soldiers and civilians moved in. At one point of time they needed Church services and decided to have a church built at a place called Nadakavu'. No sooner had the original plan of this Church been first drawn up in Gothic design by the then British Chief Engineer Col.Faber than the civil district administration and the British military were drawn into a controversy. Literally they were at loggerheads over the right location of the proposed church. While the British military wanted the church built at their barracks, considering their easy accessibility, the British civil servants were particular about its location in a civil area.

This unwanted controversy over simple a matter put the project in cold storage until a new Chaplin, Rev. Mickee, was appointed in 1860. Having come to know that both sides were not willing to give up their stand, Rev. Mickee made a compromise deal with two adamant sides that the proposed church could be built at an equidistant location both from the military barracks and from the Civil Station. It so happened Nadakavu' was the most appropriate location for St. Mary's English Church.

A fresh plan was drawn up by the District Engineer Cap. Beans R. E., and the estimated cost of the project was Rs.9085.00; part of the cost Rs. 4500.00 was borne by the Government through a grant and rest of the cost was met by other sources, including donations from the local community.

On 8 June, 1863 the foundation was laid and the church was completed in September 1864 and later was consecrated by Bishop Gell on 28 September, 1864 and named in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The church built in Anglican traditions has a nice Altar-piece which is a replica of one of the paintings by the Italian renaissance artist, Raphael, named Madonna del Granduca; it is the only church in Kerala that has an impressive Altar-piece. The other notable features are wooden Tie Beam Roof truss, combination of collar-braces, queen- post truss, and distinct wooden arches of oriental style (as found in the Persian architecture of North Indian monuments). Among the British churches in North Kerala, the arches here are unique in style, without deviating from the English tradition. Of particular interest to the visitors is the Baptismal Font of the Church that is carved out of a single solid block of black wood ( commonly call Mahogany in West coast) by an unknown skilled local carpenter.

Yet another British tradition being followed here is the lighting of candles during prayer Services and during Eucharistic Services. One fascinating fact about St. Mary's English Church is it is the only Church in North Kerala Diocese where Eucharistic Service has been conducted in the English language ever since its inception - 150 years ago. Indeed a great feat and the tradition continues even today.
Ref:

http://www.csistmarysenglishchurch.com

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nadakkavu