'St. Stephen's Church (1862), Fatehpuri, Delhi, India' - by K J S Chatrath

There is a beautiful church in Fatehpuri. In fact there is a mosque, a temple and a church in the area. That speaks volumes for the secular character of India where adherants of different faiths live peacefully. St. Stephen’s Church is located on Church Mission Road in Delhi. The church was built in 1862, by Anglican missionaries and DPW Engineers in the style of Italian Gothic architecture. It is part of Church of North India Diocese of Delhi. The St. Stephen’s Church, Delhi compound also had the famous St. Stephen’s College and St Stephen’s Hospital, Delhi.

The Church is typical Gothic style architecture, the Church is highly influenced by the Romanesque architecture Apart from its ornate walls and ceilings the Church has a unique feature which is the stained glass rose window which is exclusive in Delhi. The baroque styled church has arched windows which allow the sunlight to brighten the interiors. The interiors are well maintained with motifs, pictures, carvings and beautiful furniture. A series of fine plasters form arcade on either side with lined columns made of sandstone. These columns have beautiful carvings.

The organization responsible for the building of St. Stephen’s Church was the Anglican mission Society for the Propagation of the Gospel. Much of the work of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in India was later supported by the Cambridge Mission to Delhi. The Cambridge Mission was instrumental in the founding of St. Stephen’s College, Delhi now a constituent part of Delhi University. The color of the Church is said to symbolize the blood of St. Stephen, the first Christian Martyr and patron saint of the city.