City’s heritage churches give a special feeling during Christmas

Mysuru: It's yuletide season and the time for celebrations for Christians in the city dotted with heritage structures. The community members start preparations at the start of the holy month of December. Churches organise special events and prayers to herald the birth of Jesus. Special services on Christmas eve and Christmas day attract congregations in hordes.Mysuru is home to many heritage structures. Among them are some of the oldest churches which still stand tall as a symbol of the city’s culture and tradition. Among the oldest churches is the St. Bartholomew Church located on Mother Theresa Road. The church, named after Saint Bartholomew, one of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ, was constructed in 1830. It is one of the most visited places in Mysuru along with St. Philomena’s Church. It houses a stained-glass painting of St. Bartholomew donated by Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV and was unveiled by Lady Wellington. It is said that King George V had offered prayers in the church during his visit in 1906. It was re-dedicated after completing restoration works in 2017.St. Bartholomew Church Pastor Rev. Daniel Koundinya said that the building was being whitewashed for Christmas and a special candlelight service would be held along with choir services. “We will conduct the Watch Night Service between 10.30pm and midnight on December 24 (Christmas Eve) followed by two services at 6.30am and 8.30am on Christmas Day. Similar services will also be held on New Year’s Eve and NY Day,” he said.Among the other oldest churches is the St. Philomena’s Church built during the 1930s for which the then Maharaja of Mysuru Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV had laid the foundation stone. The church stands about 165ft-tall and is a miniature replica of Cologne Cathedral built in the Gothic style. The church houses a relic of St. Philomena. Many visitors throng St. Philomena’s Church during Christmas and New Year. This apart, the church also attracts tourists round the year.Another important church in Mysuru is the Wesley Cathedral which was built during 1863. It is named after English ecclesiastic John Wesley, who led a movement of methodists, and had served in Mysuru. The other churches where grand celebrations are held include the Sawday Memorial Church, Hardwicke Church.“The old churches stand as symbols of culture and heritage of Mysuru. Offering prayers at these churches gives a different feeling. Thanks to the then King Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar who donated lands for the construction of these churches which still stand tall as a symbol of peace and harmony,” said Asha Krupa, former secretary of Sawday Memorial Church.The old town of Mysuru has many churches which are of great heritage value. They are well maintained and are rated among the best heritage structures not only in the heritage city but in the country as well. “The oldest churches in Mysuru which includes St. Bartholomew Church, Wesley Cathedral and St. Philomena’s Church are among the oldest heritage structures of Mysuru and stand as examples of how heritage buildings should be maintained. Similar, initiatives should be taken to restore and maintain other heritage structures in the old town of Mysuru which can be converted into big tourist attraction,” said Prof. Rangaraju, an expert in heritage structures.