St Marks Church Burnt Down In Fire British Bangalore, 1923 Photo
A 1923 photo of British Era Bangalore’s St Marks Church (or cathedral) after it was burnt down in a fire. The image shows a group of British soldiers and civilians looking on from the inside of the burnt down church. The church is located on the street named after itself viz St Marks Road. It is flanked on the left side by South Parade Road, now known as M G Road.
And on its right by Bowring Institute, a heritage recreational club. In close proximity to the shrine is the famous Cubbon Park. It initially began as a garrison church in 1808, under East India Company’s Madras Presidency. Since Bangalore was a military cantonment town there was a growing number of members in the church.
Consequently, a newer and larger building was constructed in 1902. Unfortunately this new building collapsed just after it was completed. By 1906 it was rebuilt to its old glory. However, by 1923 the church caught fire due to a short circuit. There was another mishap in 1924, during renovation the church building again collapsed. Nonetheless, reconstruction began on this St Marks Church in 1926 and was completed by 1927.
Did you know – it was the only church under the control of the East India company’s Madras Presidency. Part of the construction work was funded by them.
Past posts – Vintage Raja Ravi Varma “Shivaji” Oleograph Print., First Line Beach In British Era Madras, 1900 Postcard., Anglo-Mysore War, Last Effort And Fall of Tipu Sultan, 1877 Print., Our Journey Around The World – 1894 Book.
