Ooty is also known as the Queen of the Hill Stations and stands magnificently in the blue hills of Nigiri. It not only has beauty of nature, it also abounds in numerous Churches and places of worship, giving spiritual tourist an opportunity get divine. Among the great religious spots, the classic St Stephens Church is the most important Church at Ooty as it reflects the rich heritage of the Indian Culture.
Modern Ooty’s Key:
The St Stephen’s Church sits elegantly behind two arched iron gates above the town center of Ooty. It’s one of the few remaining buildings with ties to the British Raj of India. As the entry of new British troops ascended on Ooty, the tiny village developed in rapid fashion.
Luxurious Woodwork of The Classic St. Stephen’s Church:
Christian culture and its impact in the lives of countrymen is noticeable in these Churches. The St. Stephen’s Church has many notable features and has got a special significance. The luxurious wood that was used for construction had been brought from the marvelous palace of the Tiger of South India, King Tipu Sultan. After the defeat of the courageous hero in the Battle of Srirangapattam, the British soldiers took away all the luxurious wood from his palace at Srirangapattam. All those wood was used in the construction of the classic Stephen’s Church. The classic St. Stephen’s Church in Ooty was constructed in the year 1820. The luxurious woods that have been accrued from Tipu’s Palace were dragged by elephants up the steep slopes of the Ooty Hills.
Cultural influence of The Classic St. Stephen’s Church:
The advent of the British brought numerous changes and fortunes for the Indians and one amongst them is the spread of Christian religion. Many Indians accepted Christianity and St Stephen’s Church still stands to the pride of the teeming million of the Indian population.
Tick tocks since inceptionin The Classic St. Stephen’s Church:
The most significant feature of the classic St. Stephen’s Church in Ooty is the classy Clock Tower. The Clock Tower was used to show the time for the troops marching forth. There are nine tubular bells in the Church that rings with the devotee’s prayer and is perhaps believed to be heard by the Almighty.
Architectural Wonder of The Classic St. Stephen’s Church:
The classic St. Stephen’s Church is an architectural wonder. The huge wood beams with beautifully stained glass on the eastern wall and behind the Chancel (showing Mary, baby Jesus and the crucifixion of Christ) are worth looking. Moreover Headstones of the original Ooty British can be seen in the slightly overgrown cemetery. Another great feature is the gallery of the St Stephen’s Church. It’s worth a visit as it contains weapons and many other materials used by the British.
A visit to Ooty is incomplete without a visit to the classic St Stephen’s Church, in Ooty. Book a tour and visit all the wonderful places including this great Church.