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| CSI Christ church, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala commons.wikimedia.org |
I wish the readers happy Christmas, let the new year bring you happiness, welfare. peace of mind and prosperity. Lets us look forward to a virus-free new period from the ensuing year on.
Do you know the Christ Church of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala was the first CSI House of worship in that city.? This church came up to meet the spiritual needs of countless Europeans families living in the Cantonment of the Palayam area. Most of them had links with the military. It all began with the first chapel in 1838 In the later period toward the the mid- nineteenth century, this early chapel, fell into disuse. The main reason was, it is said, the cantonment chapel slowly came under the control of the London Missionary Society, so the British opted to have their own house of worship to meet he aspiration of Anglican congregation in the midst of others denominations like Roman Catholics, Syrian Christians and other groups.
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| Christmas greetings 2021 dailynewz.in |
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| Plague Christ church, TV Puram, Kerala.csichristchurch.org |
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| CSI Christ church. TV. Puram, Kerala.csichristchurch.org |
Above image: The Christ church, Thiruvanathapuram, now a CSI church since 1956. was earlier a civil church maintained by the colonial government (under the East India company), and was under the religious authority of the Metropolitan of Calcutta and the Bishop of Madras...........................
As the demand for a spacious new church was on the increase with support from General Cullen, Resident of erstwhile Travancore, and the Bishop of Madras, during the reign of Uthram Tirunal Marthanda Varma, a ne church came up on an acquired plot in Palayam. Founded in 1858, Christ church became the first C.S.I in this city. The foundation stone for the church was laid by General Cullen on December 13, 1858 and upon completion of the structure, consecration took place on November 15,1859 under Rev. Thomas Dealtry, Bishop of Madras. The structure was built in gothic style, but the façade appeared to be more religious in nature than other contemporary churches in India then. Later additions, never changed the pleasant appearance of the church. It is fine piece of architectural work located in the prime area of the city.
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| vintage photo CSI Christ church, Thiruvananthapuram .csichristchurch.org |
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| Christ church, Thiruvananthapuramcsichristchurch.org |
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| stained glass windows Christ church, T.V.Puram. victorianweb.org |
The Architect was none other the popular Laurie Baker (2 March 1917 – 1 April 2007) who lived in Kerala India till his death and who was well known for innovative cost-effective energy-efficient architecture, He made the church more spacious with aisles and nave without compromising on its old charm and look. He did a good job on spatial planning and added buttress to the thick walls for extra support to the roof over the congregational space that rests on top of them The outer walls have narrow Gothic windows retaining the originals designed by the master architect. The separation of altar and the congregational space was effected by central Gothic arch and two smaller arches (later built). Today, enlarged congregational space can be accessed through the entrance foyer with an impressive bell tower. it houses the unique four piece ‘tubular bell’ donated by the then justice of the High Court Mr. Hunt in 1915. The three stained class windows (dating back to 1889) are well placed in such a way when the sunlight falls on them the resultant amazing glow lights up the interiors and and the diffusion is quite colorful.
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| CSI The Christ Church. T.V.Puramkeralaculture.org |
Above image: Consecrated in 1859, the Christ church, Thiruvananthapuram is the oldest church in the city. Gothic style elegant building is adorned with beautiful stained glass windows portraying The Good Shepherd.............................
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| Tubular bell, Christ church csichristchurch.org |
In the grave yard of the church below the cool shadows of the trees lie the mortal remains of some important persons of past era having close links with the old history of Travancore. Louis baker, the architect of this church designed an old age home and the common vault with 350 cells. He lies buried in one of the vaults.
https://www.thehindu.com/society/history-and-culture/the-legacy-of-csi-christ-church-in-thiruvananthapuram/article22122776.ece nov. 2017
https://victorianweb.org/history/empire/india/trivandrum/10.html
https://www.csichristchurch.org/unique-possessions/
