BENGALURU: Take a walk, imbibe the rich cultural history behind some of the city’s oldest churches
Hudson Memorial Church
At the chaotic junction of Hudson Circle, opposite the Corporation Building, stands the 112-year-old Hudson Memorial Church. Built in 1904, it is named after Josiah Hudson, a missionary who contributed towards the development of education in the province. In 1857, the native Kannada preachers joined the Wesleyan Mission as preachers. The first pastor was Andrew Philip, who served in the church for 45 years. The other prominent pastors who served in the chapel include Robert William, J A Vanes and Josiah Hudson.
St Francis Xaviers Church
The St Francis Xaviers Cathedral on St John’s Church Road in Cleveland Town is one of the oldest churches in the city, dedicated to St Francis Xavier, who is said to be one of the first seven Jesuits. Fr Chevalier was the first Parish priest. He built the first church of St Francis Xavier in 1851. A small chapel was inaugurated in 1854. It was built on a site measuring 550 feet square, which was sold for Rs 1,000 to Fr Chevalier by Zulime Watkins, a French Catholic and a widow of British Commander, Capt Watkins. After the death of Bishop Charbonnaux, Fr Chevalier was appointed Bishop of Mysore in 1873. He died in 1880 and laid to rest in St Patrick’s Church, Bengaluru.
St Mary’s Basilica
It is one of the oldest churches in the city and the first in the state to to be elevated to the status of a minor basilica. It is popular for its St Mary’s Feast in the month of September each year, attracting devotees from the entire region of Bengaluru. Consecrated in 1882, it was built by Tamil Christian migrants, it began as a thatched hut in the 17th century. It is built in the Gothic style with arches, ornamental motifs, and stained glass windows.
Rice Memorial Church
On the busy streets of Avenue Road, stands a living witness to the missionary work of Rev Benjamin Holt Rice. The Rice Memorial Church, built in 1917, recently celebrated its centenary. According to the book, by the church to mark its cenetary, this chapel also served as a school and venue for religious discussions with the locals.In 1835, Rev Campbell left for England, leaving the Canarese Chapel in the hands of the native Canarese converts and Rev Colin Campbell.