History

Events Calendar: August, 2007

HISTORY Of St.JOHN THE BAPTIST

Away in an obscure corner of Asia Minor, the greatest event of world’s history had taken place: The advent of Jesus Christ and the founding of the Christian Church.

In 330 AD the Roman Emperor Constantine issued an edict giving full liberty to Christians to build churches !

The joy of the Christians found expression in a new and unique form of architecture. Ecclesiastical artists and craftsmen using their ingenuity and imagination composed great anthems in sculpted pieces, poetry in woodwork, and chorales in the brilliantly stained glass windows :

Almost fifteen hundred years later in 1813, the licence was issued to construct the Church in Secunderabad.

A few years later, the Church of St. John the Baptist was consecrated and dedicated, to the Glory of God. St. John’s Church served the spiritual needs of the British Forces stationed at Lancer’s Line, Secunderabad. Rev. J. Brachenbury was the first Chaplain.

St. Johns Church is cruciform in shape. The Rangoon Teak wooden ceiling is supported by graceful columns designed according to a strict rule and order known as The Tuscan Order, which is a simplified version of the Doric Order.

Military Officers, Non-commissioned Officers, Soldiers of the British Army, worshipped at St. John’s Church, as also the Railway Officers of the Nizam Warranteed State Railway. Indian Christians along with a few British civilians were accommodated in the South wing of the Church. The Military Engineering Service attended to the maintenance of St. John’s church.

From the day of its consecration, St. John’s Church has been rich in gifts which accounts for the singular completeness of its beauty.

It was only in 1914 arrangements were made for the introduction of electric lights. However the Pankahs made way for the domes only in 1918 after the war. In 1914 the aisles and open spaces were tiled with minton tiles aesthetically patterned. Marble steps were laid from the Chancel to the Sanctuary. And new telescopic brass altar rails were erected. One tends to overlook, at the foot of the Altar, near the brass rail, three circular pieces of art floor that covers the entire floor with minton tiles of the Pascal Lamp and the symbols Alpha and Omega on either side.

O Lord open thou our lips

And our mouth shall show forth. Thy praise.

The above text is on the steps leading up to the chacel. A reminder that this should be our constant prayer.

The Military Band that was in attendance at the Parade Services on Sundays, had the effect of drowing the voices, resulting in the congregation having no desire to sing against the band. The Organ as an accompaniment to the Parade Services resulted in a real hearty response in the singing. Thus the Pipe Organ became an integral part of St. John’s Church.

The Tracker Action Great Organ was built with voluntary contributions from the members of the Church. Additional pipes were added by different families as a thanksgiving. The Lieblick Gedackt Stop and the Gamba Stop and twelve pipes were added to the Great Organ in 1916. The Great Organ has a simple organ case correct in form, contour and principles. This conceals the pipe work and keeps out the damp and dust. Carvings and shades relieve the monotony.

Mr. T.V. Comfort, Member of the Royal School of Church Music and Organist and Music Co-ordinator for over six decades installed a third manual.