St Georges Cathedral Chennai
In Chennai (South India), St. George’s Cathedral Church is located. This church was constructed during 1885 AD. This church has a reputed place in all the churches of India and the same was opened to public on 27th September 47. This church has a wide outside covered area to accommodate more than 2000 people. This church made efforts to minimize the gaps and clashes between various paths of Christianity in India.
Designing of this church is admirable. The architectural planning shows the brilliance of that time. Interiors as well as exteriors have been arranged in a classic manner. This church has also witnessed the worship of Governors of St. George and the Viceroys.
History
It is a firm belief that, the local people constructed this church by their own efforts and brilliance. For construction work, they got some aid of mutual funding. Total cost for construction of this church has been estimated 57,225 pagodas. In Indian currency, at that time, one pagoda was equivalent to Rs. 3.50. Not more than Rs. 2 lakh were expended on construction of this church.
The design of this church was prepared by the experienced architect of that time, Col. J.L. Caldwell. Assistant architect Captain De Havilland did the finishing of job. After e deep effort, the place for construction of this church was chosen. On 6 January 1816, the Bishop of Calcutta, Rt. Rev. Thomas Fanshaw Middleton, made the first ever-holy effort. He declared the church for “services to the God”.
Architecture
The entire construction and architecture of this church is enough to make a pilgrim amazed. All the evil thoughts automatically removed from the heart whenever any one enters this church. Very pleasant and pure atmosphere of the church fills the divine pleasure inside the persons. This is an idle place for offerings to god. The interior portion of the church has full of such things capable enough to mesmerize any one. Some of the items of this church which are offered to the Jesus Christ are mentioned as under:-
The turret clocks, which are one of the best items of this church, offered to this church by the directors of BEI Company.
Various firms have donated many other things, being used in this church. Like altar table is given by M/s De. La Fond. Mr. Banbury has donated alarming devices, bells and other items. The famous Clare Carruther, which is made of 18-carat gold is being used for holy spiritual union. Beside these things, a large pipe organ is also there for using during gathering of people for worshiping. This organ is used in singing the praiseworthy songs dedicated to god.
Likewise a pair of discolored glasses is also there. This pair helps in increasing the beauty of the church. These glasses are capable enough to reflect the activities being done inside the premises. In one of the glass, the depiction or illustration of beginning period of Jesus Christ has been shown. In this glass, the transformation of the holy soul of Jesus Christ has also been shown. In the other glass, the mother of the earth, Mary has been illustrated. These glasses reflect their antique look on piercing by the sunrays.
Inside the church premises, there are various statues of saints, Reverent; famous personalities related to Education are placed. This place not only promotes worship but also promote the image of learning and truth in the society. These statues are placed there only to commemorate the sound and significant existence of these people. This church is also the source of inspiration for thousands. After a long period of its construction, this church converted into a CSI Church, (The church of South India)
Cathedral Bells
M/s Mears & Stainbank constructed the famous eight bells placed at this church in the year 1871. In the event of Christmas function in 1873, these belles were presented to the church. Size of all the bells varies. 42” is the height of tallest bell. While the size of smallest bell is 24” only. Rev. Thomas Foulkes presented this bell to the church. All the bells have been fixed in the central hall of the church and approximately 50’ above the ground level. Wooden slabs have been specifically fixed to support these bells. Distribution of all the eight bells is as under :-
Bottom portion - 04 bells
Top Portion - 04 bells
Photo Gallery
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