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ABOUT OUR CATHEDRAL
A MOTHER CHURCH
A PARISH CHURCH
A MISSION CHURCH
A CATHEDRAL FOR THE CITY OF JOY
St. Paul’s Cathedral, Kolkata is dedicated to St Paul the Apostle, which was consecrated in the year 1847, is the Mother Church of the Diocese of Calcutta (Church of North India) a testament to enduring faith. Here you will find history in abundance, but much more than this - a living faith that continues to shape and change the living of ordinary people even today. Here is an opportunity to experience something built to give a direct experience of the Divine to all who enter. For those who gather in worship, this Cathedral remains a conduit of spiritual power and grace. May you be richly blessed as you visit this place.
Daniel Wilson, the 5 th Bishop of Calcutta and the 1st Metropolitan, arrived in Calcutta in
1832. Like his predecessors, Middleton, Heber, James and Turner, Bishop Wilson initially
presided at St. John’s Church which had been consecrated in 1787, but he dreamt of
building a Cathedral for the City. It was Bishop Wilson’s vision, perseverance and faith
that grew into what was to become the great St. Paul’s Cathedral.
The foundation stone was laid on 8 October, 1839. Bishop Wilson himself donated INR 1,00,000 and left a further endowment of INR 1,00,000 in his will. Along with a grant by the East India Company, brick-by-brick, Bishop Wilson's dream became reality, the chancel, the sanctuary, the side chapels, the lofty spire.
175 years have passed since Consecration Day on 8 October, 1847 and the Cathedral has gone through all the ravages of time and circumstances - but most importantly St. Paul's Cathedral has served God and has served the city of Kolkata. Millions have prayed at its altars; in joy or in sorrow, in hope or bereavement hearts and returned home with solace.
Rt. Rev. Dr.
Paritosh Canning
Bishop of
Calcutta Diocese (CNI)
Revd. Abir Adhikari
​
Presbyter In-charge
Revd. Asa Kiran Paricha
Associate Presbyter
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