Lucknow, Amrit Vichar: Christ Church is the oldest church in the capital Lucknow. It was constructed in the year 1860 under the supervision of Royal Engineers. This church is at the most important place in the capital. Right opposite the General Post Office (GPO), next to Christ Church College and a few steps before Raj Bhavan. This church is also important because during the British rule, the Governor used to come to this church to pray.
60 thousand rupees were spent in the construction of this church which started on 26 November 1860. When the plan of this church was made, a clock was also to be installed on its top but due to financial problems the clock could not be installed. Along with the church, a tower was also built to house the clock. Now a bell has been installed in the inner part of this tower, the rope of which has reached the bottom. At the time of prayer, the bell is rung by pulling this rope. Before Christ Church, there were churches in Residency and Madiyav Cantonment but these were completely destroyed during the revolution of 1857. In this way Christ Church has become the first and now the oldest church of Lucknow.
Christ Church is also recognized as the British Martyr Memorial. Stones have been laid in this church in honor of the army officers killed in the Revolution of 1857 and those who helped in evacuating the soldiers safely during the attack on the Residency. The British officers who were killed by the Indian revolutionaries were given the status of martyrs by the British government and plaques with their names were also installed in this church.
Christ Church has been made very beautiful from inside. Pictures of Jesus Christ and his mother Mary are engraved on the window panes. Such paint has been used in making these pictures that even after 164 years it looks as new.
how to reach
Christ Church is located at Hazratganj intersection so it is very easy to reach. One can easily reach here from Charbagh Railway Station by bus, auto or e-rickshaw.
church management
Rakesh Massey is looking after the management of Christ Church. Rakesh Massey told that Christ Church is run with the money received from the church members. Since this amount is very less, there are many problems in its renovation. Without government help, it is not possible to repair the church properly.
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