Musical evenings marked the week-long celebrations organised to commemorate the 125 years of existence of the Saint George's Garrison Church at Wellington near here. The curtain came down on the celebrations on Sunday.
Among the bands which were in attendance during the musical evenings were those from Bangalore, Trichy, Coimbatore and the Nilgiris.
The Secretary of the Church Israel, K. Mani, told The Hindu that there were two special thanksgiving services.
Stating that Reverend Nigel Hinton, the Vice-Principal of the Hebron School had presided over the concluding service, he said that among the participants were former presbyters and a large number of people from various parts of the district and other places.
Rev. Rodrigues Barnabas, the Presbyter of the church, said that the celebrations had been organised in a memorable manner.
The Church was built in the year 1885, as a place of worship for the British troops stationed in the Nilgiris. It is the biggest church in the Nilgiris, which can accommodate about 600 persons. The church has the loftiest spire with a lighted Cross at the top, which can be seen from far.
It is noted for its architectural beauty. The oak choir-stalls, pulpit and the brass altar-railings were imported from England. The church is also known for its perfect acoustics.
A pipe organ was imported from England and erected between 1900 & 1902 in memory of Her Majesty Queen Victoria. Annie Israel, who has been playing the pipe organ for the past 30 years says that it is in perfect condition and when played the music reverberates and fills the church.
A notable activity of the Church is that on the closest Sunday to the National Martyrs Day (January 30), a Special Service of Remembrance in honour of our martyrs is held in the church, when the Station Commander, Wellington, lays a wreath on a plaque, which reads “When you go home, tell them of us and say, for their tomorrow, we gave our today.”
