1A, Cathedral Road, Kolkata-700071 : Weekdays- 6:30 am – Matins; 7:00 am Holy Communion Sundays – 7:30 am; 8:30 am; 10:30 am (Bengali);
As late as in 1839, when the decision was taken to build the Cathedral near what was then known as “Fives Court” there were objections to the site, being too far south. The idea of a new Cathedral Church (the St. John’s Church was the Cathedral) was suggested even in 1819 by Bishop Middleton but he was laid to rest in 1822 before his vision became a reality.
Bishop Heber, James and Turner who followed, fell to the severity of the tropical climate and passed away shortly after their arrival in India. In 1832 the saintly Bishop Daniel Wilson arrived in Calcutta. It was his vision, his perseverance and his faith that slowly grew into what was to become a great edifice of this vibrant city.
Seven acres of land were granted. A Cathedral Committee was formed. The plans were made and on 8th October 1839, the foundation stone of St. Paul’s Cathedral was laid. Brick by brick Bishop Wilson’s dream rose to a reality – the chancel, the sanctuary, the chapels and the lofty regal spire, standing two hundred and one feet from the ground, came into existence.
By August 1842, a sum of Rs. 94,074 had been spent in the construction of the new Cathedral and necessary instructions were given to the superintendent of the workmen. By August 1842, Captain Greene reported that, “8,232 cubic feet of masonry was executed. The whole of the outer walls and the tower base was raised to a height of thirty feet…” By January 1943, all the half-sunk arches had been built to accommodate the two large windows.
There was considerable correspondence regarding the clock (which weighed close to three tons) and the pealing of bells. Col. Forbes wrote, “Independent of the total weight of the clock I am of the opinion that the safety and stability of the tower and spire will not be endangered by five such clock bells…”
In May 1843, the Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University sent a grant of two hundred pounds for the use of the Library. In his letter of thanks, Bishop Wilson wrote, “Allow me to assure the heads of the Houses and the other members of the Convocation, that through your kindness, Mr. Vice-Chancellor, India in all her extent returns her last thanks to your ancient and hon’ble University for this opportunity and most valuable gift… It will be one link to connect the Western and Eastern branches of our Protestant Reformed Church.” The books to be purchased consisted, among others. “works by Archbishop Crammer and Bishop Jewel… the works of Hooker…” The Library was to be 61 feet by 22 feet and 35 feet high.
On May 31st 1843, Bishop Wilson wrote a lengthy letter to the Hon’ble W. W. Bird, President-in-Council, giving details about the work done so that the “remainder of the Grant made by the Hon’ble Court in March 1840 could be forthcoming.” The pews would hold at least eight hundred persons, “and galleries be added hereafter as need may require and chairs be occasionally placed in the aisles as is done in Calcutta Churches on great Festivals…”
The Architect of the High Altar A faithful Churchman and a distinguished architect was found in the person of Mr. George Fellowes Prynne. There as several examples of his work in Calcutta: the Cathedral’s High Altar, the altar and mosaics in St. John’s Church, the altars in St. Stephen’s and in the very beautiful Chapel of the Presidency General Hospital. Memorial Gates were installed in memory of Sir William Prentice, who was for many years a member of the Cathedral congregation. It was decided to erect new gates at the northern entrance to the Cathedral compound. The gates have not only added dignity to the Cathedral grounds, but also from a worthy memorial to one who loved the Cathedral so well. Trees were planted with care. A By March 1847, the outer walls and buttresses of the Cathedral and those of both transepts extending to the south-east of the porch had been plastered and completely finished.
Programmes and Celebrations during the year
Church Anniversary Celebration – Annual Cathedral Carnival – Nine Lesson and Carols – Campfire and Dinner – Annual Picnic – Patronal Day – Parish Lenten Retreat – Munday Thursday, Good Firday, Easter Sunday Worship (Easter Fellowship and Breakfast), Cottage Prayer, Christmas Lunch on Jesus, World Day of Prayer.
Restoration Work- The Maintenance Committee meets regularly to discuss the work ahead for repairing the cracks in the building(Interior/ Exterior) phase by phase from top to bottom.
Cathedral Social Service- Two Non-formal schools
The ministry of the Cathedral Social Service, under St. Paul’s Cathedral, is working for two non-formal schools for the poor and needy children from the slums who are deprived of basic schooling and extending financial assistance and sponsorship to poor children for their education.
Cathedral Friendship Centre–
Visitors include people of all ages and backgrounds, seeking to be free from depression, unemployment, family problems and academic issues. Some come with questions about Jesus Christ and the Church. We do our best to answer these. We offer to pray with anyone who feel in need. Members of Life Line help are available on Wednesday afternoons.
St. Paul’s Cathedral(Between 1858 – 1861); St. Johns’ Church, Consecrated on 24 June 1787; Union Chapel(1821); St. Andrew’s Church(Opened for public worship on 8 March 1818); Calcutta Hill Christian Church; CNI Wesleyan Church; St. Stephen’s Church, Kidderpore, Consecrated in 1846); St. Thomas’ Church, Mirza Ghalib Street(Opened for public Worship on November 20th 1831); St. Barnabas’ Church, Consecrated on 23rd December’ 1867; St. James Church, Kolkata, Consecrated on 25th July 1864; St. Thomas’ Church, Howrah, Consecrated in 1832; St. Luke’s Church, Bosekati; Sadhu Sundar Singh Girja, Bankra; Christ Church, Liluah (Hindi); Christ Church, Liluah (Bengali); Church of the Epiphany, Established in 1863; Jibon Jyoti Upasanaloy; St. Bartholomew’s Church; St. Johns Church Nahazari; St. Peter’s Church, Inaugurated on 20th June, 1945; St. Nicholas Church; Oxford Mission Chapel; Prabhu Jishu Mandir (Geonkhali); St. Mary’s Church, Consecrated on 16th February, 1889; Duff Church, Established in 1848; Christ Church Kolkata, Dedicated in 1839; St. George’s Church; Dedicated on 1st January 1936; Holy Trinity Church, (Opened for public Worship in November,1826); Emmanuel Church, Krishnapur, Established in 1829; St. James’ Church Baranagar; Serampore Johnnagar Church founded in 1880; Chinsurah Church, founded in 1825; St. Saviour’s Hindi Church, built in 1449; St. Saviour’s Tamil Church, started functioning in 1860; Bhowanipore Congregational Church; Osmond Memorial Church, founded in 1868;