A slice of Pune’s history Saint Crispin's Church, Karve Road CAMIL PARKHE Sakal Times Wednesday, November 16, 2011 AT 11:56 AM (IST) Tags: PMC,   PMC election,   church,   Saint Crispin's Church,   karve road,  Christian,   Pune,   Camil Parkhe,   sakal times A few metres away from the busy Nal Stop corner on Karve Road stands Saint Crispin's Church, which has been a mute witness to various events that have unfolded in this area over the past 100 years. It is the only church in western parts of the city having over 100 years history. A majority of the century-old churches in the city are based in Pune Camp, Wanowrie and Khadki where the British regime had military establishments. Many new churches have sprung up in eastern parts of the city including Yerwada, Nagar Road, Vadgaonsheri during the past few decades, following shifting of the Christian population from Pune Camp and also migration of Christians from the neighbouring districts to these sub-urban areas. In contrast, there are a few churches in Kothrud and other western parts  of the city as the number of  Christian families is comparatively less in these areas. However this church, named after the 13th century patron saint of cobblers, was built in 1901-02 by the public works department at the behest of the Society of Saint John the Evangelist, a religious congregation. It was designed by Comper, a British architect who specialised in the restoration and renovation of old churches. The Society of saint John the Evangelist had raised a subscription of $3,000 for construction of  the church. The structure initially served as the place of worship for nuns belonging to the Convent of Saint Mary the Virgin, having headquarters at Wantage, and priests of  the  Society of Saint John the Evangelist, with headquarters at Oxon in the United Kingdom. Soon after the church was constructed, a plague struck Pune. The Society of Saint John the Evangelist then opened an orphanage for boys, who had lost their parents and relatives in the epidemic. The orphanage was closed later due to shortage of manpower. However, it was reopened in 1940 as a Rescue and Preventive Home for Girls and Women under the Diocesan Council of Bombay. The property of over six acres and 20 guntha of land was handed over to the Convent of Saint Mary the Virgin in 1951.  The facade of the church, its external and as well internal structures are very special.  The church has indeed stood the test of the time. The structure measures about 3,000 square feet and is built in the Gothic architectural styles. The uniqueness of the century-old structure is manifested as soon as one enters the church. At the centre is the sanctuary and six chapels in small appendages along the larger sides. There is also a small gallery from where one can view the sanctuary.  The church's design provides for adequate ventilation and light and the stone construction also makes it cool even during hot summer season. Tichnor Charles, secretary of St Crispin's Home, said that some years ago, a new complex for St. Crispin's Home was constructed near the church. It comprises a residential child care facility, a primary and secondary school and a vocational training centre. UNEXPECTED VISITOR St Crispin’s Church complex was in the news some years back when a leopard strayed into this complex located in one of the busiest areas of the city. The leopard was spotted relaxing on a tree over a room. The wild animal was captured by the forest personnel late in the evening after it was tranquilised and captured. SPEAK TO US Sakal Times has launched a campaign, focussing on various parts of the city to highlight both positive and negative aspects that affect the lives of citizens in these areas. If you would like Sakal Times to pay attention to any particular issue or aspect in your area, please e-mail to reporters@sakaaltimes.com, giving your name and contact number (which will be kept confidential). We will get in touch with you. Alternatively, you can also write to The Editor, Sakal Times, 27 Narveer Tanaji Wadi, Shivajinagar, Pune 411 005. Photo Gallery

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Comments On 18/11/2011 12:28 PM vishwas patole said: Dear Kamil, God bless you & your family, we people are staying in Pune city, but yet we do not know details about it, thanks for good information thanks vishwas patole