St. Matthew’s Church

Happiness is contagious. A very warm and welcoming smile from Pastor Pillai, the current caretaker of St. Matthew’s(a Marathi church) instantly put us in a very cheerful mood. His desire to open up his church to the world (which is rather contrary to many religious establishments) and make us privy to its sanctum was heartening. 

This Eastern Orthodox Catholic Church was built in 1893 and has a Basilican layout.

It was built using simple and elegant Spanish architecture, in particular Visigothic art (Visigoths were an East Germanic tribe, which were one of the migrants to Hispania (modern Spain and Portugal during 415 BC).

The peculiarities of Visigothic architecture visible here which might be of interest to architecture buffs are:i. Horseshoe (rounded) arches used for doors, windows (Spanish windows) and hallways. ii. A rectangular exterior Apse. iii. Walls made with Ashlar (dressed stone work with rectangular cubical blocks).

 

The entrance has a Celtic Cross, which combines a cross with a ring surrounding the intersection on the Bell tower. It is a variation of the High Cross – which originated around the time of the Celtic revival in England. This seems to indicate an Irish connection in the past. 

The original bell which is made of PanchaDhatu (five metals) and weighs 40 kilos now lies in the storeroom since it has developed a small crack. Queen Victoria got these bells made to gift to the churches built during her time. A similar bell is at PanchHaud Church in Pune.

Right behind the Celtic Cross is an Eastern cross used by the Eastern Orthodox Catholic Church.It is mounted on a fabricated structure and looks like a later addition.

 Sweeping and Cleaning for Good Friday was in progress and the congregation were pouring in to lend a hand (the camaraderie was admirable).

The roof rests on wooden beams; the teak was sourced from Shillong and is in top condition till date.

I was curious about the organ situated at the entrance. It is a Mason and Hamlin 1858 model and is urgently awaiting repairs (anybody capable of repairing this vintage model, please step forward, the church authorities have been searching for such a person for a long time).

Iranichai (tea) from Café Diamond Queen, brought to us in a thermos flask by one of the faithful, rounded off with Naaz Bakery Cake, concluded our visit to St. Matthew’s.

We left the vastu (premises) with an unanswered question -why is this church also called St. Matthew’s Tamil Church? Actually it does not make a bit of a difference to our research and heritage work. Such details are best left alone!