St. Thomas Church, Delhi

St. Thomas Church is one of the prime religious centers in South Delhi for the Christian community. Located in Sector 2, R.K. Puram, St. Thomas Church is also esteemed as the Red Brick Church because of its unique architecture which is completed built of red bricks. Constructed in the year, 1972, this glorious church in Delhi is dedicated to Saint Thomas who was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. Throughout the year, the church observes several festivals and celebrations; amongst those, Christmas is the most significant one. On the day of Christmas, the church receives a large gathering of both devotees and tourists from all regions. Besides, the other festivals which are celebrated at the church with the same devotion and ardor are Easter and Palm Sunday. On 25th October, St. Thomas Church also observes the feast of St. Crispin and Crispinian - the noble Roman brothers who went to Gaul to preach the gospel. St. Thomas Church is one of the popular churches in Delhi and it boasts a rich history associated with its establishment.

History

The history of this beautiful holy abode dates back to the time when there was no dedicated place of worship for Christian people in South Delhi. After the establishment of the Holy Child Auxilium School in 1971, the Catholics of the South felt so relieved and thanked Lord for providing them a space for their Sunday mass. Thereafter, the Archbishop of Delhi of that time felt an urgent need of opening a Church in South Delhi. For that, a search for a suitable place was conducted which finally ends at the place where St. Thomas Church is located presently. In 1972, the construction work of the church got completed and in the same year in July, it opened for the general public. Above all that, the church also organizes Sunday school for children that aims to impart to them about the Christian faith and values. Not just this, the church also has several different associations that work towards the different causes associated with the church. Besides, masses in English, Hindi, Malayalam, and Tamil languages are also observed at St. Thomas Church in R.K. Puram.

Saint Thomas is remembered worldwide as the 'Doubting Thomas' for his having disbelieved the Resurrection of Jesus, wanting to confirm it for himself. It is also in reply to one of his questions that Jesus is claimed to have said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.”

It is said that St. Thomas came to India as one of the 12 apostles on a mission, where he preached and converted thousands of people to Christianity, thus causing outrage and insecurity among native castes. The apostle was thus questioned by the local ruler and the saint was condemned to death around AD 72 in Madras.

Architecture

The church has been built in a postmodern architectural style, with strong Eastern European influences. Built entirely in red brick (said to be the architect George Walter's favorite), it has a distinctly crisp geometrical structure that stands out among the relatively drab surroundings.

The church hall is situated at a slight height with a sub-level underneath. The inner Sanctorum is polygonal with high semicircular windows, complying neither with the Greek nor the Latin Cross floor plans. The wooden altar in the front is beautifully lit from above. The church is accessed by stairs on two sides and the patio has bulletin boards adorned with The Ten Commandments, moral words, church announcements, and other important information.

The courtyard outside the church building is replete with manicured trees, colorful flowers, and grass.