St James Church Delhi
St. James’ Church is in Delhi, belonging to Anglican beliefs and is otherwise known as Skinner’s Church. It was constructed by Colonel James Skinner in the year 1836. In the city of Delhi, this is among the oldest cathedrals and belongs to diocese of Church of North India in Delhi. It is located near Kashmiri Gate, where the Lothian Road and Church Road intersect. The Viceroy of India used this church, till the time the Cathedral Church of the Redemption was constructed near the Gurudwara Rakab Ganj in the year 1931. St. Stephen’s Church was the other church present in Delhi, near Fatehpuri area, which was built in the year 1867. Behind this St James’ Church is the bungalow of British Commissioner, the late William Frazer who is cremated in the graveyard of this church.
History
Colonel James Skinner from Britain commissioned the construction of the Church, as had made a promise of doing so, when he was lying in the battle field and was wounded.
Initially, he constructed an edifice as per the design given by Major Robert Smith, by expending RS 95,000, the construction of which started in the year 1826 and then the construction was over in 1836. The design on which this church of Renaissance Revival style was built was that of a Greek Cross or a cruciform plan, where there are three porches or porticos, glass windows with stained patterns and large size and a dome which is present in the centre in octagonal shape, as is found in Italy in Florence Cathedral. In 1836, 21st November, the church was consecrated by Daniel Wilson, who was the bishop of Calcutta. After the time of Skinner, the edifice was taken over by John Mitchley Jennings. On top is a structure of cross and copper ball, which is a church’s replica found in Venice, was destroyed in revolt of 1857 but was replaced later on. In 2003, there was held a special service in honor of 200 years completion of Skinner’s Horse, which was the regiment of cavalry, introduced by him in 2003. During this ceremony, many distinguished guests were present, among which were Skinner’s great grand-daughter-in-law, Margaret Skinner, Chief of Naval Staff, retired Admiral Sushil Kumar, the erstwhile commander of the regiment from 1935 till 1947, Col. Douglas Gray and many other officers from british rule.
Architecture
Designing of the church has been in the form of style of renaissance and there are porticoes and porches along with windows of stained glass, with a dome that is octagonal over the centre. This dome is almost like that of the Florence Church found in Italy. A cross and ball made of copper was present, which is like that of the Venice Church. This structure was damaged when the 1857 revolt took place, but was later replaced.
A number of columns are present in the church’s main entrance, which are again flanked by windows of stained glasses. These have a huge variety of colors, in sync with each other.
There are many burial places near the St. James’ Churcch. Skinner’s burial location is behind the table in the altar, which is placed for communion. On this vault are a number of marble accents in white color.
There are other spots also for burial, towards the northern side of the church. Many of these spots have burial of wives of Skinner. There were about 10 wives of Skinner and he had fathered many children with these wives. Many of the family members are also buried in the grounds of the church.
Graves
Plenty of tombs are found in the church. There is one grave of William Fraser, who was the British Commissioner of Delhi, and this is present near the Memorial Cross, which was erected as a mark for the 1857 revolt victims. Towards the back side is Thomas Metcalfe’s tomb, who was working from 1813 till 1853 in Delhi and lived there as the Agent to the Governor General of India as well as was a commissioner.
At 64 years of age, Skinner died in 1841 on 4th December, near Hansi, and was initially buried in that place. But in 1842, on 19th January, his body was disinterred and reburied in the Church of Skinner, inside a white marble vault, just below the table for Communion. The family plot of Skinner is present towards the north side of the church, in which his family members including wives and children are buried, which was a place that belonged to a lady, who was buried as per her wish of being interred in this location.
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