History
Jaipur
Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh laid the
foundation of Jaipur in 1727. The city of Jaipur was named after this able ruler
who was not only a great Mathematician but was also a popular astronomer. The city
was planned and designed by Vidhyadhar Bhattacharya. Jai Singh and his successors
painted Jaipur white and yellow. In 1876, Maharaja Ram Singh painted the town pink
in Honour of Prince Albert's visit. Even since then, Jaipur was called - 'Pink
City'.
The establishment of Scottish
Mission in Jaipur
In 1866, Dr. Collin S. Valentine established
the Scottish Mission in the State. Having rendered medical aid to the royal
family, Valentine was offered to shift from Beawar to Jaipur to provide his services
to the state. He accepted the Maharaja's invitation and was appointed as his personal
doctor, in addition of becoming the State's Education Minister. This is how the
Scotland Mission reached Jaipur.
In 1868, Dr. Valentine was given a
Quarter near Hathroi Fort, by the state government. In 1871, Maharaja gifted a Piece
of Land to Dr. Valentine, which is now known presently as Mission Compound at Ajmer
Road.
In 1872, Rev. John Trail was sent
to assist Dr. Valentine and together they gathered people to form a clergy. Following
this in June, 1872 First Church in Jaipur which was On Roll was Started, with 10
Communicant Members.
Following the death of Maharaja Ram
Singh II, Valentine's Post had lapsed and he was sent to Agra. The Vacuum was filled
by the two agents, Rev. George Macalister and Rev. John Trail. Rev. Macalister
handled the Education department. In 1877 the Anglo Vernacular School came in to
being, along with Eight other mission schools in Jaipur.
Daily bible classes brought about
the positive character of the students. Dr B.S. Paul was the 1st Head master of
the high school. Rev. John Trail believed that proper functioning of the clergy
was most important and so on. February 25, 1883, three elders namely, J.N. Benjamin,
Babu R. Philip and Pandit Isa Das were elected in the Ist session.
Having rendered its selfless and dedicated
services in the field of education, The Scottish mission was the hearts of the sick
and distressed by providing medical assistance. In 1931, a new hospital for women
was instituted and run by Dr. Liliyas Thompson. Mr A.R. Law replaced John Trail
in 1909. He was also given credit for enhancing goodwill and promoting united worship
at the Chandpole Church every month.
The Maharaja allotted 122 sq. ft.
land to the missionaries for a Burial Ground in Pital Factory on December 8,1906.
In 1910, Rev. A.P.C. Jameson was posted in the mission and together with Rev. A.R.
Law, they had a new objective: to build a Church.
In 1912, Maharaja Madho Singh Jee
donated 43515 sq. ft. land to erect at church at Chandpole gate. In 1915, the construction
of the Chandople church began under the supervision of the popular chief engineer
late Col. Sir Steven Jacob. A clock costing Rs.2000/- was installed by Maharaja
Madho Singh Jee on the tower of the church on May 7,1922. The I0NA cross on its
dome is a sign of the Scottish missionary victory. Rs. 33000/- was invested to build
this Church. In 1914 Rev. W.G. Aur was inducted in Jaipur mission.
On March 11, 1917 the church was opened
to the clergy for worship. Rev. Yohan Masih was the main preacher to the 300 people
who were present in the church. A Marble Font, Costing Rs. 232/- was
donated by All Saints Church, Jaipur.
Young Women Christian Association
Donated tables, Chairs and Curtains. On march 23, 1919, a new organ was played in
church. On November 20,1937 Rev. Sadiq Imamuddin was appointed as the first local
Priest.
On June 12,1988 a Marble cross was
fixed at the main entrance Gate. The Youth donated a Fountain on November 14,1999.
On May 7,2001 Rev. Z.R. Masih laid the foundation of a Church hall and Guest house.
A Big Generator was purchased on July 22,2007. On December 24,2008 flooring in Kota
Stone was Done Behind the Church. All the Construction would not have been possible
without the support and Contribution of the local Clergy.
In this way the Jaipur Clergy which
was initiated on October 13, 1967 with the Baptism of Isa Das is at present, a clergy
comprising of 1062 Communicants On Roll.
The Word of the Lord was Fulfilled
in this way –“Even your smallest
and humblest Family, will become as great as a Powerful nation.When the Right Time Comes, I will make this Happen Quickly.
I am the LORD!” Isaiah 60:22
To know more about the Triumphant Milestones of St. Andrew's Church, Jaipur Click here
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