It is impossible to miss St Andrew’s Church on Cubbon Road. No matter how hectic the traffic is or fast we are driving past, the red building, with its beautiful architecture and lush greenery does grab your attention. This Presbyterian Church, was initially knows as St Andrews’s Kirk and was part of the Church of Scotland. It was only in 1959 that it became a part of the Karnataka Central Diocese of the Church of South India.
Bangalore Karnataka 22/05/2014 View of St Andrew's Church on Cubbon Park in Bangalore, Pic to go with Metro Heritage Report. Photo: Sampath Kumar G P Photo: Sampath Kumar G P
Joshi Mark, Secretary of St Andrew’s Church gives us a crash course on its history.
“Our church doors are open to all – musicians, artistes, architects and anyone who wants to see the place. Most architects and artistes walk in to learn about the history of the church. We take them around and share the heritage of this place. People also come to see our tower clock. We spend a lot of time and energy to keep it working and have technicians coming in regularly to maintain it,” says Mark, who has been a member of the church for 45 years.
Karnataka:Bengaluru:30/11/2014: A view of St. Andrews church which will be celebrating Sesquicentenary on Cubbon Road on 30 November 2014. Photo: V Sreenivasa Murthy
“Our church is also known for the pipe organ, which was installed in 1881,” he adds. When the pipe organ showed signs of wear and tear, it was restored and reinstalled with grandeur. Eminent organist, Dr Richard Marlow, Director of Music from Trinity College, UK was invited to give an organ recital as part of the re-installation process.
The church, which celebrated its 150th anniversary in November 2014, was started on 18 November 1866. Initially, it was started for Scottish officers, British Madras Army and civilians of Scottish origin. Kannada services began in 1965.
“The church has been there all though the Independence movement and the city has grown around it. We also have stained glass paintings, which are historical. Our tower used to be the tallest point in the city. People used that as an observatory. They would climb up to look around,” explains Mark, who adds that the church also opens its doors to other churches to have events like mission Sundays.
Bangalore 04/01/2009--------Organist and fellow of Trinity college Cambridge, Richard Marlow came to conduct an organ recital, a program of the 18th century music at the St Andrew's church in Bangalore on Sunday. Photo:Sampath Kumar_ G_P_Bangalore. ,January,04,2009
“We also nurture music talents and organise concerts. Every fifth Sunday, we have musicians coming in to perform here. It is free and open to all.” Mark shares that they host choir groups, independent musicians and Kannada choir groups. “We call the vernacular choir performances as Stuthi Sanje and English concerts as an evening of music”.
He reveals that St Andrew’s also has an “active youth fellowship group”, which organises an annual event called Arpith. “It is open to all churches across the city where youth members come in and display their talents in 20 different categories, including writing, and painting. The church gives also away prizes to winners to encourage local talents.” This year, the three-day fest will be held on November 6.
Where we discover hidden and not so hidden nooks and crannies of the city
