Denied entry, ASI frets over church upkeep

The church in Dalhousie served as Kolkata's Anglican Cathedral between 1787 and 1847.

Kolkata:  St John's Church - the city's first cathedral and third-oldest church - has the dubious distinction of being the only nationally protected monument to which Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has no access.

The church in Dalhousie that served as Kolkata's Anglican Cathedral between 1787 and 1847 when it was transferred to St Paul's Cathedral is in crying need of renovation. Signs of decay are writ large all over the church. The plaster is peeling off the walls. A large section of the roof and the walls are vulnerable. The stable to the left of the drive-way is in a shambles. The assessment was done two years ago by ASI officials in the guise of tourists as they would otherwise be denied entry to the monument.

"The church is much older than Victoria Memorial Hall and is made up of much older materials - sandstone plundered from the ruins of Gour, the ancient archaeological site near Malda. It, therefore, needs care. An earlier attempt to restore the monument was faulty. The use of mismatch in material accelerated the decay," an ASI official said.

While the church authorities appeared to question the legitimacy of ASI's role at St John's Church and has allegedly spread rumours about an attempt to usurp the prized property, ASI has in turn alleged that vested interest of a section of church officials has led to piquant situation. ASI is now contemplating legal action to gain access to the monument.

"ASI's only interest is to protect the monument and has been taking care of hundreds of living religious places belonging to various faiths. Rarely have we faced such a situation when ASI officials are barred from entering. St John's Church officials have spread the rumour that ASI, if allowed access, will take over the church. That is completely baseless," said ASI regional director (east) P K Mishra.

Bishop Ashok Biswas is keen that St John's Church is restored and protected. Apart from the steeple monument, there are several other historical monuments, including the mausoleum of Job Charnock. "During an interaction, Rev Biswas expressed enthusiasm about restoration and issued instruction to church vicar Pradeep Kumar Nanda to extend all help. But the vicar defied the Bishop and continues to deny us entry," said Mishra.

In a bid to resolve the situation, ASI invited the vicar to the ASI regional office. The vicar did not arrive, citing the Lenten period and his preoccupation with church services. ASI officials, however, insist the meetings were scheduled much earlier and dates fixed after taking the vicar's consent.

Source: Times of India