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Photos: Kolkata’s St. Paul’s Cathedral, a bishop’s dream turned cherished heritage

While there is an abundance of beautiful Raj-era churches in India, St. Paul’s Cathedral in Kolkata stands out with it’s larger-than-life grandeur. The first Anglican cathedral in India, it’s cornerstone was laid in 1839. In 2019, it will be 180 years since work on the cathedral began. Over the years, it has become one of the most popular churches in Kolkata. The cathedral has also paved the way for building communities through various initiatives.

Updated on: Dec 24, 2018 1:50 PM IST

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In 2019, it will be 180 years since work on the St. Paul’s Cathedral began. The cathedral has survived the test of time to emerge as one of the most popular churches in the City of Joy, Kolkata. (Arijit Sen / HT Photo)

Updated on Dec 24, 2018 1:50 PM

In 2019, it will be 180 years since work on the St. Paul’s Cathedral began. The cathedral has survived the test of time to emerge as one of the most popular churches in the City of Joy, Kolkata. (Arijit Sen / HT Photo)

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St. Paul’s Cathedral was a dream close to the heart of Bishop Daniel Wilson, the fifth bishop of Calcutta, who arrived there in 1832. The construction of the cathedral began in 1839. (Arijit Sen / HT Photo)

Updated on Dec 24, 2018 1:50 PM

St. Paul’s Cathedral was a dream close to the heart of Bishop Daniel Wilson, the fifth bishop of Calcutta, who arrived there in 1832. The construction of the cathedral began in 1839. (Arijit Sen / HT Photo)

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The design of the Great West Window with its central figure of Justice was chosen by Lady Mayo and executed by Messrs. Morris & Co., Bloomsbury, who employed Sir Edward Burne-Jones as their principal artist to execute it. He was an uncle of the writer Rudyard Kipling. (Arijit Sen / HT Photo)

Updated on Dec 24, 2018 1:50 PM

The design of the Great West Window with its central figure of Justice was chosen by Lady Mayo and executed by Messrs. Morris & Co., Bloomsbury, who employed Sir Edward Burne-Jones as their principal artist to execute it. He was an uncle of the writer Rudyard Kipling. (Arijit Sen / HT Photo)

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Cathedral Friendship Centre inside the premises of St. Paul’s Cathedral. Initially, the congregation at the cathedral consisted of foreigners. This changed as the British started leaving and the congregation grew to include greater numbers of locals. (Arijit Sen / HT Photo)

Updated on Dec 24, 2018 1:50 PM

Cathedral Friendship Centre inside the premises of St. Paul’s Cathedral. Initially, the congregation at the cathedral consisted of foreigners. This changed as the British started leaving and the congregation grew to include greater numbers of locals. (Arijit Sen / HT Photo)

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Declared a historic monument by the Indian government in 1975, St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of the main tourist attractions in Kolkata. People of all faiths visit, whether drawn by its majestic beauty or to kneel in prayer. (Arijit Sen / HT Photo)

Updated on Dec 24, 2018 1:50 PM

Declared a historic monument by the Indian government in 1975, St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of the main tourist attractions in Kolkata. People of all faiths visit, whether drawn by its majestic beauty or to kneel in prayer. (Arijit Sen / HT Photo)

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Women work at Cathedral Relief Centre, at St. Paul’s Cathedral. Over the years, the cathedral has also emerged as an institution known for building communities. (Arijit Sen / HT Photo)

Updated on Dec 24, 2018 1:50 PM

Women work at Cathedral Relief Centre, at St. Paul’s Cathedral. Over the years, the cathedral has also emerged as an institution known for building communities. (Arijit Sen / HT Photo)

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The cathedral has enjoyed immense social prestige. Among those who married at St Paul’s was a grand nephew of the bard Rabindranath Tagore –Gyanendramohan –who in 1852 wed the daughter of a reverend. (Arijit Sen / HT Photo)

Updated on Dec 24, 2018 1:50 PM

The cathedral has enjoyed immense social prestige. Among those who married at St Paul’s was a grand nephew of the bard Rabindranath Tagore –Gyanendramohan –who in 1852 wed the daughter of a reverend. (Arijit Sen / HT Photo)

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Rashid Mollah repairs a chair at St. Paul’s Cathedral. The cathedral is now gearing up for the upcoming Christmas celebrations. (Arijit Sen / HT Photo)

Updated on Dec 24, 2018 1:50 PM

Rashid Mollah repairs a chair at St. Paul’s Cathedral. The cathedral is now gearing up for the upcoming Christmas celebrations. (Arijit Sen / HT Photo)

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The cathedral has borne the brunt of several natural calamities. The process for another renovation has been initiated, says Rev. Abir Adhikari, priest or presbyter-in-charge, St Paul’s. (Arijit Sen / HT Photo)

Updated on Dec 24, 2018 1:50 PM

The cathedral has borne the brunt of several natural calamities. The process for another renovation has been initiated, says Rev. Abir Adhikari, priest or presbyter-in-charge, St Paul’s. (Arijit Sen / HT Photo)

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