Cathedral Church Of The Redemption
Cathedral Church of the Redemption is commonly called as Viceroy Church, and is counted as one of the magnificent and beautiful churches in the country. This church is situated near the Parliament House, towards its east, in New Delhi, and is also near to Rashtrapati Bhawan, from the time of the British Viceroy. The structure of the church is in form of a cake for birthday, and the top appears to be like a cake. The name of this church has been derived from Palladio’s Church of Il Redentore in Venecias and also from Hampstead Garden Suburb, the Lutyens St Jude’s Church. The Cathedral Church of the Redemption in India belongs to the Church of North India and the Delhi diocese.
History
As per historical information, it is between the years of 1927 till 1935 that the construction of Cathedral Church of the Redemption was carried out. From the beginning decades of the 1900s, the church was initiated, at a time when Rev T.R. Dixon became the Chaplain in order to provide spiritual fulfillments of officers of the British Empire, living in Delhi. Lots of people gave out donations for the construction, which mostly included people with royalty, Christians, viceroys and also from other religions.
The chief engineer had been given the task in 1925 to come up with the design for a church which could seat 300 people. A lot of designs were proposed and that of H.A.N. Medd was finally agreed upon. In 1925, 11th November, the plan was finally prepared and Viceroy Irwin put up the stone for foundation in 1925, 11th November. In the year 1931, on a Sunday, which was 18th January, the church was allowed for the public to worship inside. Bishop of Lahore did the consecration work on the church in 1931, on 15th February, and in the process was provided assistance by Rev. P Dass and Rev. Storrs Fox, who was the Chaplain of Delhi.
Architecture
It was Henry Medd, the well known designer, who gave the magnificent design of Cathedral Church of the Redemption. The shape of this church is in the form of a cake for birthday, having a candle on top. The name of the church has been given by inspiration from Lutyens St Jude’s Church in Hampstead Garden Suburb, as well as from the Venice, the Palladio’s Church of Il Redentore. There are arches which are curved and the domes, which have been carved beautifully, found inside the churches. Lord Irwin, who was the viceroy during this time, became very much impressed by the church’s beauty and thereby gave the name of Viceroy Church to it. From the outside, the church looks quite simple as well as beautiful, and beautiful designs are found in the interior.
A huge hall is present inside the church, where 1000 to 2000 people can be congregated. Church altar is quite beautiful, which appears further beautiful due to this. Huge windows made of tinted glasses have been made in the church. In this church, people come for lighting candles and meditate.
Christmas and Easter day are celebrated in the church, which are the two important festivals. People celebrate these with lot of show and pomp, while making the church look beautiful with decorations. On these festivals, they attend church from early morning, for praying and organizing masses on these particular days. Many different programs of culture and social occasions are organized also.
Education and Health
The church works towards the social causes by contributing in the field of health and education. Under its diocese are plenty of institutions and organizations:
St. Stephen`s College
St. Thomas School
Queen Mary`s School
The Victoria School
St. Stephen`s Hospital
LPCEF
Photo Gallery
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