St. Stephens’ Church
After crossing the Fatehpuri Masjid while moving towards the Old Delhi Railway Station, St. Stephens’ Church is located on the left hand side of the main Church Mission Road just opposite the police booth. Built with local material in the year 1862, this rectangular Romanesque church reflects the typical gothic style and has a very high ceiling with baroque style of decoration.
One of the main attractions of the church is the stained glass rose window and is said to be the only of its kind in the whole capital. The nave of the church has arched openings between the circular pilasters allowing the sunlight from the window. The church also has a series of fine plasters forming an arcade on the either side with lined columns. The columns are made up of sandstone and are beautifully carved. The interior of the church has also been well maintained with all its motives, icons, carvings and furniture. There is also a very tall bell tower situated to the north east of the nave of this red colored church.
According to the local belief of the people, the buildings associated with St. Stephens (college as well as the hospital) are red in color because the pious saint was a martyr who was stoned to death with blood everywhere on his body while preaching the tenets of Christianity. The church is closed on all days except Sunday. However, it is opened on request as the caretaker lives nearby. It would be a nice gesture on visitor’s part to give baksheesh (tip) to him.
