Pune: is city of various religions and cultural harmony. Here people belonging to different religions live peacefully. That is why you can find here holy shrines of various religions. Among the few churches in Pune St. Mary’s Church is quite significant because it is the oldest protestant church of Pune city. This church was built in the year 1825 and sanctified by Bishop Reginald Heber who was a bishop in Kolkata. The purpose to create this holy church was to serve as a worship place for the British officers and soldiers and their families that are living in and around Pune at that time along with fulfilling their spiritual requirements. This large church displays Gothic style of architecture with a hint of British and Indian architecture. Popularly known as the Mother Church of Deccan St. Mary’s Church was shaped by Lieut. Nash of East India Company’s Engineers.The church is significant because under the floors of the church Sir Robert Grant’s mortal remains are buried. He was the author of religious lyrics some of which are still sung by devotees in the church at the time of Church’s anniversary. He was also a former Governor of Mumbai and queen’s most honourable Privy Councillor. You may be surprised to know that there are hundred and thirty years old Pipe Organs in here still used while worshipping god every day. You can see an attractive stained glass which was specially made in London and brought in here is fitted at the altar close to Baptistery. This glass is fitted to pay tribute to Lieutenant Trotter in the year 1874. There is a small collection of flags belonging to various regiments is also here. There are some plaques installed in the interiors of the church in the memory of British soldiers who lost their lives during various battles and wars. Among these plaques one is of Colonel William Morris who was among the few brave survivors of battle of Balaclava. His description is also found in the poem named “The Charge of the Light Brigade” written by Tennyson. Sir Edward West’s mortal remains are also resting in the church. He was the chief justice of Supreme Court in Bombay (Mumbai). Apart from these memorial plaques and mortal remains of British officers and soldiers the church also houses the colours of the 25th Bombay Infantry.There used to be a tower (steeple) at the church till 1982 but later it was removed and a short tower made of concrete is built at the place. The St. Mary’s Church is now under the jurisdiction of the Church of North India. You can imagine the size of the church by the fact that it can accommodate more than 1500 members at a time as there is a congregation worship session is held here every Sunday comprising of fifteen hundred members. Devotees worship here every day. It is worth to explore this elegant church known as Mother Church of Deccan. займ на карту без отказов круглосуточновзять кредит онлайн