197-Year-Old Christ Church in Kamptee Crumbling, Needs Urgent Restoration
Nagpur, India: Christ Church in Kamptee, one of the oldest churches in Central India, is falling apart due to years of neglect. Built nearly 200 years ago during British rule, the church now stands damaged and is in urgent need of repair as it approaches its 200th anniversary in 2028.
The church was built between 1828 and 1832 by the East India Company for British soldiers stationed in Kamptee. It was designed by Lt. Douglas of the Madras Engineers and could seat around 800 people. The construction cost at the time was ₹43,679. But just 10 years after it was built, the foundation began to sink due to the black cotton soil in the region. Heavy support pillars were added to prevent it from collapsing.
Despite its condition, the church still displays beautiful old architecture. It has a tall 40-foot spire, antique wooden furniture, stained glass windows, and marble plaques dedicated to British officers.
However, years of neglect have taken a toll. The wooden ceiling has collapsed due to termite damage, and the altar had to be shifted to a safer part of the building. Sadly, the church has never received any government help or grants for maintenance.
“We are trying to keep the church alive with donations from our community,” said Noel Joseph, the church’s treasurer. “There’s no support from the government or even from our main church body in Nagpur. It’s tough, but we are doing what we can to restore this place of worship.”
Across the street is an old cemetery where over 30 British officers are buried. That too is in a poor state. Only the Commonwealth sends money to maintain the graves of their soldiers.
As the 200th anniversary of Christ Church draws near, the local community hopes someone will come forward to help save this historic place before it is too late.
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