St. James' Church

Highlights

• St. James' Church (also known as Skinner's Church) is a colonial-era church located in Old Delhi, India.
• It was once the official church of the British Viceroy of India.
• The building, which was built in 1836 for James Skinner, is one of the oldest churches in the city.
• It remains part of the Church of North India Diocese of Delhi.
• During the period of British India, the Viceroy of India attended services at the church until the Cathedral Church of the Redemption was built near the Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib in 1931.

Dress Code

Modest, respectful clothing is expected at this site.

History

• •Subsequently, he built the edifice at his own expense of 95,000 Rupees, under the design of Major Robert Smith.
• •The construction started in 1826, and was completed in 1836.
• •The basic design of Renaissance Revival style church is on a cruciform plan (Greek Cross), with three porticoed porches, elaborate stained glass windows and a central octagonal dome, similar to that of the Florence Cathedral in Italy.
• •It was consecrated on 21 November 1836 by the bishop of Calcutta Daniel Wilson.

Architecture

• •The church features "original European stained-glass windows depicting the crucifixion, ascension of Christ and his resurrection, a painting titled 'The Prodigal Son', original work of Italian painter Pompeo Batoni, a processional cross gifted by Edward Wood, 1st Earl of Halifax, a rare pipe organ gifted by Ralph T.
• •Coe in 1899, and the church bell".
• •All are in the process of restoration, including the church itself, scheduled for 2017, as the church due to its historical significance, falls under Grade II heritage buildings category.

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