Hyderabad:
As Hyderabad soaks up the Christmas festive spirit, one of the city's oldest churches, if not the oldest, the Holy Trinity church of south celebrated its 165th Christmas this year. Constructed in the year 1847, the church which was originally an Anglican church, was a place of worship for the British army and their families until 1947, when the Medak diocese took over after independence.
Spread across eight acres of land procured from the British, under Queen Victoria's reign, the church is home to about 300 member families and attracts many more on the day of Christmas.
The church is designed with classical European architectural structures having been funded by the Queen. The building resembles the palaces in Britain, with a royal chapel and a graveyard to bury its members.
"The biggest tomb of grave is that of the wife of Dr Arthur Earndensly, the then head of the defence province of British colony. The tomb measures about 10 feet from the ground made of marble," said Daniel, the grave keeper.
Holy Trinity still retains its original pews from the year 1847, despite completing 164 years of service and worship. The inside of the building is dotted with painted glass mosaic and tablets that commemorate the martyrs of the British army.
Known for its European classical architectural sensibilities, the monumental structure of the church was awarded the Charminar INTACH Heritage award in 1997 by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH).
Besides being a hundred odd-years old, the church is also home to a vintage life-size pipe organ that easily dates hundred years old, if not more. The still-functional organ is used to play music during the worship.
Added to that, the church was also the venue for the 36th anniversary celebration of Queen Elizabeth II.
"Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her anniversary along with his Royal highness Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh on November 20 in 1983," shared Vasanth Jaikumar, treasurer of the church.