The story of the Cathedral Church of the Redemption India revolves around its journey from an Englishman’s congregation to a multicultural one. In its diversity and its community work, the present Church has come to fulfil the founders’ vision of a common home, a meeting place for all sects and creeds. Tucked away from the hustle bustle of Saddi Dilli, in the quiet Church lane north of Jaipur column and to the west of the Parliament House and the Rashtrapati Bhavan which was then used by the British Viceroy at North Avenue, stands the Cathedral Church of the Redemption India.
The Church’s centralized plan blends neatly with Sir Edwin Lutyens city plan. With Viceroy Lord Irwin’s keen support, the Church, built on Henry Alexander Medd’s design, was opened for public worship on Sunday, 18 January 1931. Medd’s design was inspired by the Palladio Church of Redentore in Venice as well as Lutyens Hampstead church. The Church, a witness to nearly eight decades of history, is a sanctuary of quiet meditation, prayer and generous giving. It is home to a vibrant parish and a wonderful tribute to Indian Christian life.
The linear plain exteriors of the church are in contrast with the high rounded arches inside. The spiritual aura of the church is enhanced by the light streaming through its crescent windows and a group of angels that look down from the curved roof above the altar. Regular mass takes place at the Cathedral Church of the Redemption on Sunday mornings. Apart from this, the cathedral also hosts religious concerts on festivals such as Christmas and Easter. It also maintains a personal choir, called the Capital City Minstrels. You can catch these concerts of choral music and carol singing on religious occasions and festivals.
The Cathedral Church of the Redemption traces its origin to the early 1900. when Rev. T.R. Dixon was appointed as the Chaplain to meet the spiritual needs of the British officers in the Capital of India. The Cathedral was built in eight years and was completed in the year 1935. Cathedral was designed by Henry Medd. Cathedral was built in such a way that even in the extreme summers it remains cool and serene. The Church has beautifully curved high arches and delicate domes, which won the heart of the then Viceroy Lord Irwin, Lord Irwin gifted an organ and a silver cross to the Church.
The Church is split into three language groups – on normal Sundays there’s an English eucharist at 8.00am, a Tamil one at 9.30, and a Hindi one at 11. There are specials days though when all the three groups worship together at 9.00am. The preacher and celebrant is the Bishop of Dilli, the Rt. Rev. Karam Masih.
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