St Andrews Church, Darjeeling, undergoing renovation and restoration

EOI, DARJEELING, 12 MAY 2023 : The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration on Friday laid the foundation stone for the renovation and restoration of the heritage St Andrews Church located at the Mall Road in Darjeeling.

The church looks fine from outside but it is in a dilapidated state inside. The plasters in the wall have come off, the wooden floor panels are damaged, and the clock tower and organ are dysfunctional.

"The church started in 1843 and it is about 180 years old. Such a heritage should be preserved. The GTA took the initiative to pursue the matter for restoration of the church. Funds had come in the past also but it went back for some reason without any work being done," said the GTA Tourism Sabhasad Norden Sherpa.

"It is only after we came in the new Board that we pursued the matter and the state government allotted a fund of Rs1.59 crore. The tender has been done and work will commence from tomorrow," he added.

The Sabhasad said renovation would be done in a way to keep the present look intact. A specialized architect has been appointed to overlook the renovation and restoration work of the church. 

The St.Andrews church is a popular visiting spot for tourists because of its heritage status. Speaking on the programme, GTA chief executive Anit Thapa said on Friday: "It was after our proposal that the government sent funds. I feel that whatever happens is through God and we are only mediums. 

Our team has worked for peace and we have managed to bring stability in the hills after a long time.This has paved the way for development."

Expressing his gratitude towards the GTA and West Bengal Government, Church Pastor Rupert Rai said: "We are happy that finally the much needed renovation is underway. Earlier funds had come but it returned for reasons. We are a small congregation and so could only renovate the outside of the church and paint it by the funds we could generate.

However, much work is required inside as the church is in a dilapidated state. There is a lot of repair work needed like the walls of the church, the clock tower which used to run till the early 90s and there is the organ which is not running any longer. 

We are hoping that all of this will be covered in the renovation and restoration work that will be done," said Rai who added that their congregation had only about 40 families as member.