Macfarlane Church reopened after 2 years

KalimNews, Kalimpong, 16 November 2013: Macfarlane Memorial Church one of the oldest heritage building and Church of Kalimpong was opened today after two years. 

The church was closed since 18th September 2011 due to damages caused by the devastating earthquake. The church building built in 1870 was closed due to some cracks in the wall and some beams and damages in its spire of the bell tower.No service could be held in the church building as it was declared unsafe by the architects and engineers. 

The restoration repair work was completed jointly under the supervision of Kalimpong Local Kirk Session of the Eastern Himalayan Church Council (EHCC) under United Church of Northern India(UCNI) and Pastorate Committee of Diocese of Eastern Himalaya (DEH) under Church of North India(CNI) and funded by both of the Church Committees. 

The joint opening service held today was started with prayer by Rev.H.D.Subba, Moderator of Kalimpong Local Kirk Session and closed with prayer and benediction by Rev Samuel Lepcha, Presbyter-in-Charge of Kalimpong Pastorate. 

In the programme attended by Pastors and congregation members of both the CNI and UCNI, Architects Subin Pradhan and Chetan Raj Shrestha were felicitated by the Restoration Committee.  

Photos: Samten Kabo

In the programme architect Subin presented report on restoration work while Saturday Fellowship of SUMI and Choir of Kalimpong Local Kirk Session sang hymns.

Dr. M.S.Foning, Secretary of the Restoration Committee gave vote of thanks to all for helping in the restoration work.