HOLY TRINITY CHURCH

The altruistic faiths of Chris- tians were testified with their beliefs on the Holy Trinity, and in veneration many churches were constructed across the world. But the Holy Trinity Church in Bo- laram has a broader perspective to share.

The Holy Trinity Church is a grand edifice, which is now run under the supervision of the Church of South India (CSI), Medak Dio- cese. Situated in Bolaram on the Karimnagar highway, the church is a unique type of a protestant church.

History

Historical substantiation implied that Queen Victoria had herself funded the construction of the Church on the land which was do- nated by the Nizam of Hyderabad in the year 1847. The church was then a worshipping place for British army officers and several Christian fami- lies who belonged to India. “The church was built exclusively for sen- ior British officers, and was admin- istered and supervised by the (Angli- can Church) Church of England. People used to come here in buggies. Post Independence the Church of South India took over the adminis- tration and later Medak Diocese stepped in for the contractual obliga- tion,” shared Rev A C Solomon, parish priest and former VC for Medak Church.

In the year 1983 Queen Elizabeth II paid a visit to the Holy Trinity Church to celebrate her 36th mar- riage anniversary. The service for the day was led by Victor Premsagar in a grand manner.

Architecture

Holy Trinity Church is a stunning structure which exhibits Gothic ar- chitecture with numerous tower bel- fry and turrets. The altar of the church is on a splendid stained glass window, which shows Jesus behold- ing the cross. The stained glass win- dow dates back to 1884. There are sixteen tablets along the fences of the church which narrate the tales of different officers during the British regime, who lived and later died at this place.

Lamps and antique pews fitted along with baptismal font testify the precious possessions of the church. Stained glass windows and frosty white spires exhibit an archetypical genre of structural design. It is be- lieved that nearly seven years were spent in the construction of the building in an aesthetic manner. The church has also received Her- itage award from the Andhra Pradesh government.

Age old Harmonium: Another at- traction of the church is the electric harmonium which has a towering presence of 25 feet, it dates back to over a century and it was then used by British officials during sermons and mass.

Graveyard

The church has a graveyard adja- cent to it on an area of 1.2 acres. “The graveyard has graves which date back to nearly 1870’s. Many important individuals were buried here, which include soldiers of World War II, Commonwealth War, and a few graves trace back to the royal lineage,” Fr Solomon added.

Relevance

Counted as one among the most pious churches in the Deccan re- gion, worshippers throng here for obeisance to their deity every Sun- day. Being situated on the highway, the church is accessible from any part of the city. This institution re- mains open from 7 am to 8 pm every day

- AUGUSTIN KURIAN