Cathedral Church of the Redemption, Delhi or the Viceroy Church is located near Parliament House & Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. It is one of the most famous church in India. A British architect, Henry Medd designed this church, it was constructed between 1927 and 1935. The basic infrastructure of Cathedral Church of the Redemption is built in such a way that it remains cool in summer. It’s been said that the inspiration of the architecture of the church is from Venice’s Palladio’s Church of II Redentore.
The Cathedral Church of the Redemption looks mesmerizing, especially during Christmas celebrations.
On religious occasions, you can enjoy listing to the melodious choir of the church i.e. Capital City Minstrels. You can definitely feel the spiritual aura in the church.
History of Cathedral Church of the Redemption, Delhi:
Way back in the 1900s, all Church Services were held at a smaller place that could only accommodate 60 devotees at a time. The Chaplain (Reverend T.R. Dixon) of that time felt the requirement to create a bigger structure that can accommodate more devotees. He also felt that it would also be great for the British Officers living in Delhi as they could meet their daily spiritual needs. The Chaplain presented this offer and Viceroys, Royalties and Christians donated generously. Amongst all, King George, Queen Mary and the Indian Church Aid Association were the first few to donate open-handedly.
Sir Edwin Lutyens proposed this location in Delhi for constructing Cathedral Church of the Redemption and it was approved by the Church Committee. Many architects presented their designs in front of the Committee, and the Henry Medd design was selected. The foundation of the church was laid at the central point by Viceroy of India, Lord Irwin in 1927, and the construction of Cathedral Church of the Redemption completed in 8 years(1935). An impassioned Service was held without the Image of Lord Jesus, Choir, pulpit, church organ and etc.
After narrowly escaped from an accident, in 1929, the Viceroy (Lord Irwin) donated a silver cross and picture of Mary and Jesus to the Cathedral church of redemption. Because of Viceroy’s (Lord Irwin) utmost belief and admiration for this place, this church is also called Viceroy Church.
In 1947, in Delhi, Arabindo Nath Mukherjee was appointed as the first Bishop of this Diocese.
Architecture of Cathedral Church of the Redemption, Delhi:
Cathedral church of redemption, Delhi is famous for its beautiful interiors and fascinating arches & domes. The style of the church-plan owes its origin to Palladio’s great church in Venice. The main dome of the Church looks like a birthday cake with candles placed on the top. The church built of white Dholpur stone and red sandstone. It is constructed in such a manner that even the hot summer doesn’t impact the moderate temperatures inside the premises.
The interior of the Cathedral church of redemption is a treat for its visitors. The Church houses an organ and a silver-cross, which was gifted by Lord Irwin (Viceroy). The prayer desks are made from gifts by the devotees of the church of India.
Entry Free:
You do not have to incur any expenses if you wish to enter this church. Entry to this church is free.
How to reach:
You can either take a metro or reach the church by your car. If you are taking the metro, you need to get down at Patel Chowk or Central Secretariat metro station. From both these metro stations, the church is 1.5 km away.
Address: 1, Church Road, North Avenue, North Block, Rakab Ganj, New Delhi, Delhi, 110001, India
Summer Service Timings:
English – 8:00 AM, Tamil – 9:35 AM ,Hindi – 11:15 AM
Winter Service Timings:
English – 8:30 AM, Tamil – 10:05 AM ,Hindi – 11:45 AM
Cathedral Church of the Redemption, Delhi is a must-visit during Christmas.
Church Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/RedemptionChurchNewDelhi/