In simplicity lies its glory

VISAKHAPATNAM: The St Peter's Church at Bheemili was built way back in 1864 and consecrated by Bishop Gell in March the same year. Administered by the Diocese of the Church of South India, the Protestant church boasts of a Bible and a bell that are as old as the church itself. However, the donation box, also nearly as old as the church, was mysteriously stolen in October 2005.
With a growing parish of more than 100 families, St Peter's Church is considered as one of the living monuments of the area. In fact, it is one of the few remaining structures in Bheemili that have been left untouched by modernity and is one of the last few historical remnants of the area to have retained its past glory.
The church was built in a manner that appealed to local aesthetics. The pews and coloured glass work depicting Jesus Christ dating back to the inception of the church add a touch of beauty to the otherwise simple structure. The roof, made of Mangalore tiles, is a simple tiled structure using long supporting beams with resistant cladding that is supported by metal joiners in between.
After Cyclone Hudhud destroyed the roof in October 2014, modern Mangalore tiles were placed. However, the church did not suffer much damage on account of the cyclone as its walls are 30-36 inches thick and the foundation is quite deep. Incidentally, Intach had taken up conservation work in 2005 to help restore the church to its past glory.
PV Prasad, convener of Intach-Vizag, said, "Restoration work was supposed to be conducted as per the guidelines of Intach and architect G Srinivasa Murthy took great pains in providing guidelines for it. The state government had even released funds to the tune of Rs 3 lakhs in 2005." However, sources in Intach disclosed that the guidelines were not completely followed.
"It is a living piece of history right in Bheemili. More importantly, people associated with the church are aware of its history and have taken great pains to keep it alive," said former Intach-Vizag member Rani Sarma.
Edward Paul, a conservationist and an expert in colonial heritage, said, "The church was built to be endeared, hence the lack of grandeur. It was built more like a simple village chapel to appeal to the people instead of catering to the grandiose needs of an upper-class parish."
A local resident and a member of the parish said, "St Peter's Church is a typical Protestant church. There is nothing grand about it. Its beauty lies in its simplicity and ability to connect with the masses. These are reflected in its architectural features which impress with warmth and homeliness rather than scale and size."