03rd
July 2018.
Ooty
is called in different names like Udhagamandalam, Udhagai, Ootacamund ( mund
means Village ), was a part of Kongu
region. This was once a tribal land occupied by Toda, Kurumba, Irula and Badagas community. During Sangam period 2nd CE, Cheran
Senguttuvan ruled this place. Latter ruled by Hoysala, Satavahanas, Gangas, Kadambas,
Rashtrakutas, Chozhas, Vijayanagaras, Wodeyars.
After the defeat of Tippu Sultan in 1799, Ooty came under the possession of British East
India Company. John Sullivan, then the
Collector of Coimbatore under Madras Presidency
was the first person ventured to Nilgiris and built a bungalow in 1819
at Dimbhatti near Kotagiri. Road was
formed in 1823 up to Kotagiri from Sirumugai near Mettupalayam and extended
up to Coonoor by 1830-32. Even without
proper road from Coonoor, Ooty was also developed and the first Church was built for the British East India company Officers in 1830. Ooty became the summer Capital of Madras Presidency. Madras regiment of the Indian Army was formed keeping the Wellington as head quarters.
THE FOUNDATION STONE
of this CHURCH was laid on the 23rd
April 1829 by THE RIGHT HONORABLE STEPHEN RUMBOLD LUSHINGTON GOVERNOR &c&c . THE BUILDING was commenced on the 25th JANUARY 1830 ( coincides with the birth day of King
George IV) and was consecrated to ALMIGHTY
GOD on the 5th of
DECEMBER 1830 by THE RIGHT REVD JOHN MATTHIAS, LORD BISHOP OF CALCUTTA. THE
CHURCH was finished and opened for DIVINE SERVICE on EASTER SUNDAY. The 3rd of APRIL 1831. JOHN JAMES
UNDERWOOD CAPTAIN OF MADRAS ENGINEERS was the ARCHITECT.
The
Church was constructed on a elevated level with a plight of steps. The Hall is
supported by the 12 nos of double Pillars and alter is very simple without any ornamental
works. Window stained glasses has the scenes like Mother Mary holding baby
Jesus, Crucifixion of Jesus, Jesus as shepherd are worth to watch. Many brass
plates are hanging on the walls with names & birth and died dates of the British officers, served under Madras
Presidency. The Church was built with wood
dismantled from Tippu Sultan’s palace at
Srirangapatna. The building cost
was estimated around Rs 24000.00. The church completed its 187 years of service
and marching towards Two centuries.
---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---
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