Beneath that colonial-style facade lies a story of faith and community. St. Thomas Church stands here in Kolkata as a testament to history and devotion. This Roman Catholic Church is on Middleton Row, Park Street. It is more than just a building. It’s a landmark.
Let’s step back to 1841. Mgr Carew laid the foundation stone for St. Thomas’ Church on September 11th. Imagine the excitement. The air was filled with anticipation for this new place of worship. The church was Blessed on Ascension day, May 5th, 1842. It officially opened to the public on September 8th, 1842. St. Thomas Church became the second parish established by Mgr Carew in Kolkata in 1844.
St. Thomas Church has a rich history. Mother Teresa lay in state here for one week before her funeral in September 1997. This poignant event underscores the church’s significance to the community. It was a place of mourning and remembrance. People from all walks of life came to pay their respects.
The origins of St. Thomas Church are also linked to Loreto House School. In 1840 Mother Teresa Ball of Ireland was asked to send sisters to set up a school for Catholic children in Kolkata. Eleven Loreto sisters arrived from Ireland on December 29th, 1841. They were led by Mother M. Delphine Hart. They were housed in a three-story building at 5 Middleton Row. Loreto House School opened on January 10th, 1842 with 60 students.
Construction of St. Thomas’ Church had already begun. The foundation stone was laid before the nuns arrived. The church was consecrated on May 5th. It opened to the public on September 8th, 1842. The Jesuits of St Xavier College took pastoral charge in November 1843.
Mgr. Carew also built a residence next to the church. This building was known as St. Thomas’ House. Over time the old Loreto House building became unsafe. It was demolished and a new Loreto House was built. Today St. Thomas’ Church and part of the original college building are all that remain.
Built in colonial style St. Thomas’ Church features a Doric-columned portico. It is topped by a short octagonal spire. This architectural detail adds to the church’s unique charm. It blends seamlessly with the surrounding cityscape.
St. Thomas Church continues to be an active parish with a membership of 4000. It stands as a beacon of faith. The Archbishop is Thomas D’Souza. St. Thomas Church on Middleton Row is a Roman Catholic Latin Rite church.
Today St. Thomas Church stands as a reminder of Kolkata’s colonial past. It also shows the enduring power of faith and community. Its history is intertwined with education and service. The church has touched countless lives. As we conclude our visit take a moment to reflect on the legacy of St. Thomas Church. It is a story etched in stone and spirit.