Refurbished interior of Katherine Graham Memorial Chapel opens to service

Yowan Mothay, EOI, KALIMPONG, FEBRUARY 11, 2024 : The refurbished interior of the Katherine Graham Memorial Chapel, declared a heritage site by the West Bengal government, was inaugurated on Sunday after 13 years of closure.

The chapel, which was damaged by an earthquake in 2011,held its first service during the day. From now on church service will be held at the chapel every Sunday.

Entry to the chapel was closed after the damage caused by the earthquake in 2011.In 2018, the West Bengal Heritage Commission accorded the chapel heritage status and provided Rs 5.2 crore for its renovation. The church built during the British era has now completed 100 years of its existence.

The Graham’s Home School family was visibly happy at the inauguration of the chapel. 

“Today, the interior of this chapel has been inaugurated, and in some time it will be fully inaugurated,” Vice President of Graham’s Home Managing Committee Prafulla Rao said. He said after an inspection the chapel was found to be completely safe for service. After the opening of the interior of the chapel during the day, the first service was also completed.

 He said that the chapel was being renovated by the State PWD. Despite some delays during the period of of the Covid pandemic, the construction work was progressing well. The Catherine Graham Memorial Chapel was inaugurated on September 24,1925, by then Governor of Bengal, Lord Lytton. 

The chapel was built by Dr Graham in the memory of his wife Catherine after her death. During the opening ceremony, the Headmaster, board members, teachers and students of Dr. Graham's Homes were present in large numbers.