New Delhi: The oldest church of Delhi, St James’ at Kashmere Gate, is up for a facelift. Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), an NGO dedicated to historical restoration, has prepared a detailed project report (DPR) for conservation of the early 19th century building.

Reasons behind the damage

Rumblings of trains at the busy Kashmere Gate metro station in the vicinity of the church for years, has damaged its foundation, officials claim. Further, opening of the underground Metro ‘Heritage Line,’ barely five minutes from the St James’ church complex, may lead to more damage. The much-anticipated 9.3 km line, mapping several old Delhi monuments, is slated for an August 15 inauguration.

Built next to Yamuna river centuries back, the groundwater table here is still high – 3 metres – leading to seepage and drainage issues. Many beautiful architectural features – such as plinths, cornices and mouldings – have faded as a result. Black fungus spotting has occurred on walls, plaster is exposed and the yellow paint is peeling off at several places.

Similar to Italy’s Florence cathedral

Built in 1836 AD, it is a ‘Grade-I’ notified heritage building under the jurisdiction of North Municipal Corporation of Delhi (Zone C).

Sunil Joseph, a representative at St James Church, confirmed, “Yes, we have assigned the restoration work to INTACH. It has begun.”

Ajay Kumar, Project Director at INTACH said, “It’s a prominent landmark of Kashmere Gate and old Delhi. It was built by an East India Company army officer, Colonel James Skinner, in 1836 AD.”

He added, “It reflects the basic design of a ‘Renaissance Revival’ style church on a cruciform plan (Greek Cross) with three porticoed porches and an octagonal dome.”

“It is similar to Italy’s Florence Cathedral. Also, it used Mughal brick masonry in lime mortar, prevalent in that era,” he said.

“St James’ Church beautifully married the two cultures it was born in,” he added.

Monument of colonial era

INTACH has also prepared a list of valuable possessions belonging to the St James’ Church, which need scientific restoration.

This includes the graves of Col Skinner and his family of 14 wives and children; British Commissioner of Delhi, William Frazer, and Thomas Metcalfe.

The original European ‘stainedglass windows’ depicting the Crucifixion, Ascension of Christ and his Resurrection, are some of the very rare pieces in the church’s possession. Among its other great items, is a painting called ‘The Prodigal Son.’ It is believed to be an original work of Italian painter Pompeo Batani and hangs on the south-western wall of the church. A processional cross gifted by Lord Irwin, a rare musical instrument, Pipe Organ, gifted in 1899 by T Ralph. Douse, and its Church bell are also listed by INTACH.

The NGO has also recommended promoting St James’ Church within the Delhi tourist circle. At present, it is visited by 14-150 people for service. However, there was a time when its guests included Queen Elizabeth (1961) and the Archbishop of Canterbury (1995).

(Source: India Today)