St James, Delhi's oldest church set to get a facelift

The oldest church in the Capital, Saint James, is all set to get a facelift. The church, built in 1836, is a major landmark in the Kashmere Gate area.

Built on a Greek-cross plan, the church sports fine colonial classical architecture with a florentine dome. As it was constructed by James Skinner CB, it is popularly known as Skinner's church. Its construction started in 1826, with army engineer Major Robert Smith, and finished in 1836.

"The structure not only speaks volumes about the associational value but it also boasts of introduction of a new style of architecture in Delhi," says Sarmishtha Chatterjee, Conservation Architect, Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH).

"It sits amidst Mughal architecture-inspired buildings on the Lothian Road, which connects it to other buildings such as Dara Shikoh Library. In fact, the church is a living testimony to events of the last 150 years in the city," she adds.

However, over the years, rising pollution and quivering due to trains passing by have left the building vulnerable to damages. INTACH submitted a detailed project report (DPR) for conservation of the church in 2016, and has now commenced the first phase. In their report, they listed valuable objects belonging to the church, which has high antiquarian value and needs to be restored using scientific methods.

The list includes 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 Batani, a processional cross gifted by Lord Irwin, a rare pipe organ gifted by T Ralph in 1899, and the church bell.

"Conservation is a cultural, artistic, and technical activity, based on humanistic and scientific studies and systematic research. As a team of experts, we are trying to undertake the conservation work with great respect for the historic fabric and the antiquities that hold high cultural and historical value," says Ajay Kumar, Director of Projects, INTACH.

Due to its historical significance, the church falls under Grade II heritage buildings category. Thus, the building's authenticity and integrity need to be retained.