The St James Church, Delhi’s oldest, saw its first Sunday mass after around a year-long renovation process.
Built in 1836, the church is recognised as one of the most historical churches for the Protestant Christian community. It was once the official church of the British Viceroy of India in Delhi and was built for an officer of the East India company, Colonel James Skinner.
According to the pastor, Prateek, the estimated budget of the church was Rs 3.5 crore, but was completed within Rs 2.71 with the help of the members of the church.
“The restoration of this historic church was significant for the community as a whole and I believe that it is our duty to maintain its dignity and with everyone’s support. We must look after the church,” he said while thanking staff members for taking care of the church.
“For their excellence and hard-work, the workers of the church were felicitated,” the pastor added.
He also announced that a programme, SEVA, would commence from August 13, which would help the church officials to expedite the administrative processes.
During the Sunday mass, the visitors were also served with bread and wine.
Jobin Thomas, a visitor from Mayur Vihar, said, “It feels good to be back here after the renovation. The building of the church is sacred for most of us and it is our duty to maintain its sanctity. It is the responsibility of the community to work as a team and achieve this goal at a rapid pace.”
Another visitor, Shalini Sinha from Laxmi Nagar, “liked” the interior of the church.
“I keep visiting different churches and I was aware of the restoration of St James church, so I was excited for the Sunday gathering,” she said.
The timings of the church are 8:30 – 10 am in summer, till September. From October, it is open from 9 am-10:30am.
Where: Lothian road, Kashmere Gate, Delhi -110006.
