St. Stephen's Church of Ooty Hill Station, Tamil Nadu, an early legacy of the English company rule

 St. Stephen's Church, located in Ooty in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu, is a historical Anglican church that exemplifies colonial architecture and craftsmanship from the early 19th century. Constructed during the British era, it holds the distinction of being one of the oldest churches in the region and a prominent symbol of the erstwhile Madras Presidency's summer capital.

Historical Background:

St. Stephen’s Church,Ooty, TN 

The foundation stone of St. Stephen’s Church was laid by Stephen Rumbold Lushington, the then Governor of Madras, on April 23, 1829, which coincided with the birthday of King George IV. The governor was eager to build a church for the growing European community in Ooty, which, at that time, lacked a dedicated place of worship. The church’s construction began in response to the increased presence of British officers and settlers managing the burgeoning tea and coffee plantations in the area.

Gov. of Madras Stephen Rumbold Lushington
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St. Stephen’s Church,Ooty, TN  indianholiday.com

Designed by Captain John James Underwood of the Madras Army, the church was completed and consecrated by the Bishop of Calcutta, John Mathias Turner, on November 5, 1830. It officially opened for public communion on Easter Sunday, April 3, 1831. The total cost of construction was recorded to be only INR 24,000—a relatively modest sum for such an impressive structure.

Architectural Features:

St. Stephen’s Church,Ooty, TN  facebook.com

St. Stephen’s Church,Ooty, TN  alamy.com

St. Stephen’s Church showcases beautiful Gothic-style architecture that still retains its Victorian flavor. The most distinctive aspect of the church is its unique combination of a pale yellow exterior and an interior filled with rich wooden elements. Unlike many Gothic structures, the chapel’s interior is crafted with extensive woodwork, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere that is comfortable in both summer and winter. The church also has a pulpit with a flight of steps to the left of the chancel, a pew with a chancel in a raised position and a vestry. The  baptismal font was given to the church in 1855. As for The bishop's seat, it is an  elaborate marble foundation from the 1800s. There are many  panels in the church depicting various scenes from the Bible.They are carefully preserved, a relic of an old Anglican church. 

interior St. Stephen’s Church,Ooty,  tamilnadu-favtourism.
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Victorian style St. Stephen’s Church,Ooty, TN .bp.blogspot.com

The timber used in the constr has an interesting provenance: it was sourced from the palace of the Mysore king, Tipu Sultan, in Seringapatam (now Srirangapatna), after his fall in the early 1800s. Transporting this timber up the steep and wild terrain of the Nilgiris was a Herculean task, as the Singur Ghat region was dense with thick forests and inhabited by wild animals. Despite these challenges, the materials were successfully hauled to Ooty, which sits at an elevation of over 7,000 feet.

One of the unique features of the church is its bell system. Instead of a traditional bell tower, the church employs a hammer-like mechanism attached to an inverted V-shaped timber structure. When the wire attached to the hammer is pulled, it produces a harmonious chime, adding to the church’s distinctive charm.

Interior and Memorials:

St.Stephen’s Church,Ooty, memorial, tamilnadu-favtourism.
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The church’s serene wooden interior, coupled with beautifully crafted stained glass windows, transports visitors back to a bygone colonial era. The stained glass windows depict significant Biblical scenes, including The Last Supper and Mary with infant Jesus, enhancing the spiritual ambiance of the chapel.

Numerous brass and marble memorial tablets adorn the walls, commemorating the British officers who lived and died in Ooty. Behind the church lies an old cemetery where many of these officers were buried, adding to the historical and melancholic aura of the site.

Social and Cultural Context:

Initially, St. Stephen’s Church was exclusive to the European community and did not serve native Christians. This exclusivity extended to many British social establishments of the period, such as clubs and yachting facilities, which were strictly reserved for Europeans. The discriminatory policies were criticized by contemporaries like George Bernard Shaw, who found fault with the British class system and social arrogance.

Legacy and Current Status:

With India’s independence, the church was brought under the management of the Church of South India. Today, it stands as a testament to Ooty’s colonial history, nestled in a tranquil valley far removed from the bustling town center. Its quiet wooden interior, eye-catching stained glass windows, glossy floors, and wooded surroundings create a serene environment that invites meditation and reflection.

St. Stephen’s Church remains a popular tourist attraction and a spiritual landmark, drawing visitors who wish to experience its historical significance and colonial charm. As a relic of a bygone era, it continues to enchant people with its beauty, offering a glimpse into the architectural and cultural legacy of British India.

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 http://www.ixigo.com/st-stephens-church-ooty-india-ne-1282223

https://www.navrangindia.in/2014/12/ststephens-churchootyindiaexlusively.html