200 YEARS AND CENTURIES MORE TO GO

St.Marks Cathedral with an illustrious address, No.1,MG Road, is an impressive landmark of namma Bengaluru. It is surrounded by famous landmarks such as Queen Victoria's Statue,Chinnaswamy Stadium,Koshys and the Bible House. Cubbon Park with its lush greenery is just opposite, and some of those beautiful flowering trees and fruit trees are also present in the church compound. A small fountain adds to the beauty of this oldest Anglican church of Bangalore. This heritage building was modelled on the lines of London's 17th century St. Paul's Cathedral, and built in 1808.
It was initially meant for worship by high ranking British officers and later civilians were allowed. Even today, a joint service is held every November by chiefs of staff of the Army, Navy and Air Force on Remembrance Day and this is a very colourful and solemn service. Reputed Chaplains like Rev. S.T.Pettigrew, Rev. Robert Posnett were credited with the founding of two very old schools, - the Bishop Cotton Boys School and St. John’s school in 1865 and 1853 respectively.
An imposing German pipe organ is the best I have ever heard during Sunday service.
The stained glass windows,pews,marble altar, imposing pillars within and the porch of grand columns,richly carved doors and of course,the magnificent dome bearing a heavy cross on the outside and gilded stars decorating it on the inside, make for a perfect place for worship.
A resource center,a parsonage,senior citizens' home,music school where the church prepares students for taking up exams conducted by the Trinity College of Music,London are located within the compound.

ST.MARK'S CATHEDRAL

Located at No.1, MG Road, Bangalore, is this famous landmark. Surrounded by a lush garden full of trees, a fountain with coloured lights in front, just outside the front porch, the St.Mark's cathedral is steeped in history.

It was the first church to be built in the city in 1808 by the British as a garrison church for Protestants.Its walls stand testimony to the many brass plaques which bear the names of many young British officers who died in battle. There are many unique features here, among them the massive pillars on either side of the central aisle, the high dome near the altar where the hymns sung by the choir seated on either side sounds magical. The most impressive of all is the old pipe organ which was recently restored. Enthralls one and all when played every Sunday morning.
Impressive , colorful stained glass images of Jesus Christ mesmerize you as you walk up to the altar as sunlight streams on it. Extremely enchanting stained glass portrayal of Christ is on the rear wall, can be seen as you walk towards the main door from the altar.

Yesterday, one-year anniversary celebrations were begun after a prayer by the Bishop, Karnataka Central Diocese. The church will complete 200 years of its existence in 2008.