ST.STEPHENS CHURCH OOTY ,NILGIRIS,History,Timing,Address,Contact Number,images,Best time to visit

ST.STEPHENS CHURCH OOTY ,NILGIRIS,History,Timing,Address,Contact Number,images,Best time to visit

 

 

 

The St Stephens Church, Ooty is one of the architectural marvels that the British left for us. A very old church, which dates back to the 19th century, it was built to coincide with the birthday of King George IV.

 

The fabulous pale-yellow building of the St Stephen’s Church bears testimony to the marvels of British architecture that existed during those times.

 

The main beam and all the required timber were taken from Tipu Sultan's palace after the British defeated him in the Mysore War.

 

The timber was bought all the way down from Seringapatanam and carried through the Sigur Ghat. The marvel of British architecture is clearly visible in the church and it also has a painting of the Last Supper.

 

The structure still stands tall and there are no signs of wear and tear although it has been about two hundred years since it was built.

 

Whatever said and done about the British, they sure knew how to build structures that stand the test of time and the structures they built during their time, still stand tall in the different parts of our country.

 

 

In the church include pretty stained glass windows that depict a myriad of different scenes, such as Mother Mary holding Jesus in her arms;

 

the combines charming architecture and fabulous stained-glass windows in a mystical woodland setting.

 

Admire the tall clock tower and cream-colored façade of St Stephen’s Church. Step inside to view exquisite stained glass and the colossal beams that were pulled here by elephants.

 

Look up to the clock tower that reaches up from the main entrance. This is topped with four pointed spires that would not look out of place on a church in rural Britain.

 

As you approach St Stephen’s Church it is impossible not to be drawn in by its magical, fairy-tale appearance

 

This church also has an unusual and interesting feature of four hammer like structures. This structure is tied on some inverted-V shaped wooden planks using wires. When these wires are pulled from the floor, the hammer-like structures produce an amazing and magical musical sound.

 

It is also intriguing to note that even after all these years, the St Stephen's Church shows no sign of wear and tear and has bravely battled all ravages of time.

 

History of St Stephen's Church :

 

The foundation of the church was laid down by Stephen Rumbold Lushington, the Governor of Madras, on April 23, 1829.

 

Captain John James Underwood was in charge of the construction and designing of the entire church, and he ensured that only high-quality wood was used for the building of the St Stephen's Church.

 

 It would be interesting to note that the timber that was used in the construction process was brought from Tipu Sultan's palace after the British had successfully defeated him.

 

The St Stephen's Church in Ooty is a symbol of the rich history of the place and dates back to the nineteenth century. Stephen Rumbold Lushington, who was the then Governor of Madras, was keen on building a church in the area since he felt that there was a need to construct a church that was exclusively for the British.

 

The Governor laid the church's foundation on 23 April in 1829. The date was so chosen that it would coincide with the birthday of King George IV. On 5 November 1830, the church was consecrated by John Matthias Turner, the Bishop of Calcutta.

 

The St Stephen's Church was finally opened to the public communion on Easter Sunday- 3 April 1831. Following the independence of the country, the church came under the CSI or the Church of South India.

 

The Ooty St.Stephen's Church is a symbol of the rich history of Ooty.

 

St Stephen's Church is visited by lots of tourists every year and it is a main tourist attraction in Ooty.

  

Best Time To Visit St Stephen's Church :

 

The best time to visit the St Stephen's Church is at the time of Christmas in December.

 

There is a very merry and cheerful air to the church at this time of the year, and people are seen rejoicing and celebrating by offering prayers, singing carols and exchanging wishes.

 

How To Reach St Stephen's Church Ooty  :

 

The St Stephen's Church is located on the Club Road in Ooty, on the road that heads towards Mysore. It is well connected to all parts of Ooty 

 

St Stephen's Church Timing  :

 

The visiting hours of the church are as follows:

 

Mondays to Saturdays: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

 

Sundays: Every Sunday, there is a service at the church from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

 

 

St Stephens Church Ooty Address:

 

Club Road, Ooty, Tamil Nadu, 643001, India ,