DiscoverBangalore is pleased to bring a special report on St. Mark's Cathedral on its Bicentennial Anniversary. Our Special Correspondent Githa U Badikillaya reports.

This 19th century Poster lady stands in all her majestic splendour, mellowing and getting better with age. Her equally illustrious address No. 1 M.G. Road has seen the transformation of one of the landmark streets of Bangalore from a promenade to a bustling intersection with her old neighbours the Bible House, Koshy’s and Queen Victoria’s statue still giving her company. The old, quaint buildings and bungalows have given way to brash glass monstrosities with traffic jams and sit-in protests drawing her curiosity almost every other day.

Stepping into the bicentennial celebratory preparations the St. Mark’s Cathedral is the oldest Anglican Church of Bangalore. The glorious canopied cassias, gulmohurs, temple lilies, jacaranda, rain trees, silver oaks; some of the oldest trees in the area in the compound impart an ambiance that offsets the cream colour of the Church. Named after one of the 12 disciples, this heritage building was modeled on the lines of London’s 17th century St. Paul’s Cathedral. Built in 1808, the city’s best known landmark was struck by many disasters and repairs to finally acquire much of her present beauty. An accidental fire brought down the entire East front of the Church, (1902) that was initially meant for the high ranking British officers; though the snob value still remains high and was later open to civilians. Reputed Chaplains like Rev. S.T.Pettigrew, Rev. Robert Posnett were credited with the founding of two very old schools, - the Bishop Cotton Boys School and St. John’s school in 1865 and 1853 respectively.

Consecrated in 1816 by the Bishop of Calcutta, its glass stained large windows with floral motifs, impressive wood work, pews, imposing musical Organ, the porch of grand Ionic columns, richly carved entrance door, memorial tablets and plaques (1843) and the huge heavy Cross heighten the nostalgia besides adding a touch of magnificence with the dominating dome. It has a marble altar and pulpit with a 700 seating capacity as also accommodation for a 50 member choir. The German Pipe Organ was donated by the family of English cricketer Colin Cowdrey as they owned a house in Bangalore and is still going strong with recent repairs attended by Swiss technicians made possible by the enthusiasm of its very dynamic Rev Vincent Rajkumar. The church prepares many students for taking the Trinity College of Music, London, exams. In 1990 the Church started its own musical school and resource Centre.

As Rev.Vincent RajKumar says “There will be a year long programme and we want to continue the vision for which it started that is to cater to the needs of all people. We have more than 1000 families but 200 committed churchgoers will carry the programs forward. This church was involved in working for the medical welfare of criminals in the Central Prison as most of our members are doctors. We will extend this further by providing an advocacy cell as there are a large number of under trials constituting 50% of the 4500 prisoners. A good number of lawyers in the church community have volunteered and will co ordinate with the city court advocates for getting bail etc. Then we found that most of these prisoners’ children are neglected. Some are grown up. We thought of starting a children’s home and negotiating with Col. Hill’s school (started for educating orphans and semi orphans, in English medium up to SSLC) on station road in Cantonment. They have agreed to be a part of our process linking their space to our resources.”

I was also caught up in the Reverend’s enthusiasm as he continued, stating—“We were working for the last 18 years in slums- Lazar road in fact and now adopted another slum near Chinnaappa gardens, Benson town. Here we will start vocational training for young house maids who will be free in the afternoons followed by weekly clinics and a small crèche for their children. Thirdly we want to start a community college concept in any area i.e. giving vocational training for drop outs. Last year we have started in Bypanahalli (tailoring coruse-6 months). We plan to support entrepreneurial activity by gifting sewing machines and work orders initially from our congregation. At Hosur (in Tamilnadu) 300 sex workers, are a part of our rehabilitation centre along with Aids awareness program. We are negotiating with some industrial houses in the area to train these selected women by giving work to them. We have built a multi purpose community hall in the Byappanahalli slum, where people can use it for worship and other community activities.”

Social service thus takes on a new dimension with the Reverend at the helm. An amount of Rs 19 lakhs raised was given to non Christian organisations like Rakhum’s blind school, Kutumbha, Kidwai etc. Inter faith dialogues are conducted with success. It’s the national spirit of Oneness that is the essence which is all the more felt on Christmas. He has changed the colour of some of the church rituals, and this being a moneyed congregation, he has well driven home the sentiment that one’s job is not over by giving money.

The church is processing a proposal with the Postal department for Commemorative stamps. The Reverend is planning big, hoping the President will grace the culmination of the celebration. Building Bridges Is the Theme of These Celebrations. On this meaningful note I bid adieu.

Visit the Cathedral's website at http://www.saintmarks.in/index.htm

Please E-mail your comments/feedback about the above write-up.

All Rights Reserved. Contact Webmaster at webmaster@discoverbangalore.com

DiscoverBangalore@2008-2009