HYDERABAD: For the last 150 years, an imposing structure standing at a serene location in Trimugherry, Secunderabad has stood the test of passing time. Brimming with people on festive occasions when filled to its over 2000 seating capacity, the All Saints Church can effortlessly transport you to ancient Europe.
This majestic Gothic structure has been a symbol of faith and dedication for over 200 families across the twin cities.
A special mass will mark its 150th year of existence on November 7 and holy prayers will be conducted by Rt. Rev. T.S. Kanakaprasad, Bishop in Medak. It would also be a day when they recall the people who sacrificed their life to retain the church post independence.
Presently under the Diocese of Medak, a separate committee, formed for the maintenance of the church, has planned large scale restoration and maintenance works.
One of the largest churches in the twin cities, it was built as a joint effort of the civilians and the army as a testimony to brave officers and soldiers of British Regime in November 1850. The All Saints Church took shape when a need for a place of spiritual retreat fuelled the public to collect funds to build the replica of a home church. The army undertook the maintenance the church buildings before independence.
The church is now a heritage structure having bagged the 'Intach Heritage Award' by the Indian National Trust for Art & Cultural Heritage eight years back.
It's only natural that it attracts tourists from all parts of the country.
"We have visitors coming in from far off areas like northern and eastern part of the country. As the membership kept on increasing over decades we now have 225 active Christian families as members with over 500 followers gathering here each Sunday,” said Presbyter in charge Rev. S. Sathia Joseph who has been associated with the church for almost two decades now.
The church also has the distinction of housing the largest pipe organ in the state. It has two manual pipe organs with bellows powered by a three horsepower electric blower.
"During the post independence years, it fell mute for the want of maintenance. Plans are afoot to renovate it,” adds Michael Frederick, a member of the All Saints Pastorate.
Amidst ongoing plans of renovation,this mini cathedral remains a classical representation of Gothic architecture in all its grandeur and beauty.
Apart from stately columns, splendid arches, majestic spires, mullioned glass windows crowned with arches,richly designed mosaic flooring and massive Gothic doors almost fifteen feet tall and eight feet wide, the church is ornamented with several beautiful furnishings mostly presented to it in the memory of loved and lost ones.