CSI Church: A place from history

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During the 19th century the landscape one sees around the heart of Kozhikode which is the Mananchira square was similar to what you find today and the reason for such a unique upkeep of the place is mainly due to the presence of CSI Cathedral which still stands proudly on the side of the road. The Churches of South India was an organization started by the Basel Missionaries who came to Malabar in the early 19th century. The CSI Cathedral of Calicut is considered to be the largest church built by Basel Mission in Malabar. When the Missionaries came to Kozhikode, the Mananchira maidan as it was called then was a place for many destitute & old people who slept around the trees as they had nowhere to go. The poor people were harassed by the British officers who considered them as an eye sore from their quarters. As part of stating missionary activities in Kozhikode the need for a church grew & the British East India Company granted the place to build the church. 


Rev John Fritts started the construction of the church in the year 1842, he was part of the Basel Mission. The church was opened in 1856 & there were only 7 families at the time of its construction. The church follows Presbyterian – No bishop, it’s a democratic way of functioning where the people who belong to the church decide the people for managing the church. Its construction is based on the cross structure & has glimpses of both Kerala & European style of architecture. At the entrance one can find the belfry built in 1908, it was added to the existing church in such a way that the gong from the tower was heard by all around the town. The 3 tiered turrets are a beautiful work of art which makes the architecture of the church more beautiful. The gothic style doors & interior are another notable work of craftsmanship. The cathedral was built with the future in mind so it is more spacious as compared to the others during the period. It is built on 10 pillars & has a gallery on all sides which could be used for better view of proceedings. The church also has the unique distinction of having the only pipe organ in Kerala. This pipe organ was placed here in the cathedral in 2004 after it was received from St. Ayden's Church in Cheltenham, England when the original church was being demolished for reconstruction. The pipe organ is a beautiful instrument which creates a sound unlike any other & is a great symphony for the ears.

The church is also part of the Green initiative today where usage of plastic is banned which is also seen in the way events are conducted in and around the church. The church provided ceramic utensil & steel glasses even during wedding ceremonies as disposable crockery is not allowed under the green parish initiative. The Basel Mission primarily worked at spreading the word of Christ through the teachings of the Bible & the need to educate the masses to propagate missionary preaching was an important step. The BEM school next to the cathedral & many such schools around Kerala were started keeping in mind this need & they have helped generations of young minds to become better in their academics. The CSI cathedral has been a beautiful addition to the landscape of Mananchira & Kozhikode for over 150 years and a visit to the cathedral should never be missed.

 

Location: Kozhikode, Kerala, India

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