Home > Indian History > Temples of India > St John Church
St John Church
St John’s Church is an example of early British architecture, located in the busy areas of Government Palace.

Share this Article:

St John Church, Kolkata, West BengalSt. John"s Church is one of the oldest churches in oldest Kolkata. St John"s Church and its complex stretch a vast place including the graves of the most prominent citizens of Kolkata at that time.

Establishment of St. John"s Church
St. John"s Church is originally a cathedral, and among the first building of colonial Kolkata erected on public finance basis by British East India Company. The land where St John Church was established was donated by Maharaja Naba Krishna of Shobhabazar Rajbari. The foundation stone was laid by the Governor General of Bengal, Warren Hastings. The funds for the construction of St. John Church were raised through public lottery system at that time.

Opening of St. John Church
St John"s Church was opened to public in 1787. It was designed by James Agg of Bengal Engineer. It served as the Anglican Cathedral of Kolkata till 1847, when the new cathedral of St. Paul`s was constructed.

Architecture of St. John"s Church
St John Church, Kolkata, West BengalSt. John"s Church was established with the plundering done by early British. St. John`s Church has its 174 feet high clock tower. St. John`s Church was built with a mixture of brick and stone. The stones of St John"s Church were a rare material in the flood plains of ancient Bengal. The stones used in the church, were shipped from the medieval architectural splendour of Gaud of Malda District, West Bengal.

Interior of St. John`s Church
St. John"s Church has the tall columns frame building on both sides. The entrance point of St John"s Church is a curved entryway underneath a stately porch. The floor of this church is very interesting. It is a rare mixture of blue and grey marbles brought from Gour. The main altar contains intricate and minute mosaic works and behind the altar is a semi-circular dome. To the left of the altar of the Church hangs the painting of Last Supper drawn by Johann Zoffany, which is known as the Indianised version of Last Supper.

Complex of St John Church
Inside the complex of St John"s Church, there are Job Charnock"s Mausoleum, Black Hole of Calcutta Monument, Second Rohilla War Memorial, Charlotte Canning, Countess Canning Memorial, Francis (Begum) Johnson"s grave, graves of the Judges of Supreme Court of India, now called as High Court of Calcutta and the grave of Lord Braboune.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in Temples of India


Khajuraho Temples
Khajuraho Temples are known the world over for their beauty and architectural construction. This group of temples is situated in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.
Temples In Hampi
Temples in Hampi are the manifestations of rich religious beliefs and architectural and sculptural abundance.
Dilwara Temples
Dilwara Temples located at Mount Abu date back from the 11th to 13th century and rank among the popular tourist destinations of Rajasthan.
Chola Temples
Chola Temples of South India comprises of the three great temples that were constructed in the 11th and 12th century and is declared as a World Heritage Site.
Badami Cave Temples
The Badami Cave Temples, an exemplary production of Indian architecture, are situated in the town of Badami.
Temples in Guwahati
Known to be the temple town of Assam, the temples in Guwahati are a reflection of the Assamese style of culture and architecture.
West India Temples
West India Temples are worth a visit for their beautifully designed masterpieces on stone.
North Indian Temples
India has a rich cultural and historical heritage because of its temples and pilgrimage sites. The North Indian Temples are in plenty and cater to people of all religion.
South Indian Temples
South Indian Temples lavishly built and aesthetically designed, in true sense are the symbol of architectural brilliance.
East India Temples
East India temples are really fascinating and enthralling and visit to these places can mesmerize a person very easily.
Northeastern Temples of India
Religious fervor and spiritual passion enlaces the northeastern temples of India.
Central India Temples
Central Indian temples amidst their religious fervour reverberates the true spirit of Hinduism.