Darjeeling: 180 years old St. Andrew’s Church In DarjeelingA heritage structure located on the Mall Road, is ready for restoration and renovation.
The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration will start the repair work on Saturday. The church, which is a popular attraction for many tourists in the hill town, has been in a dilapidated condition for a long time. Plaster is crumbling from the walls, wooden floor panels are damaged and the belfry and organ are non-functioning.
“The church was established in 1843 and such a heritage structure should be preserved. Earlier, funds came for the restoration of the church, but the money was withdrawn due to some reason. After constituting the new board , we took the matter forward again and the state government allocated Rs 1.9 crore for the work. The tender has been floated and the work will start from Saturday,” GTA tourism councilor Norden Sherpa said.
The present form of the church will be kept intact as it is a heritage structure and a specialized architect has been contracted to oversee the renovation and restoration.
GTA Chief Executive Officer Anit Thapa said, “The state government sanctioned the funds after proposing the restoration of the church. Our team has worked for peace and we have been able to bring stability to the hills after a long time. “
The church’s pastor, Rupert Rae, said, “We are happy that the church is finally going to be renovated. We are a small congregation with 40 families as members, and with the money we raise we can only run the church. Can only renovate the exterior. Structure and give it a fresh coat of paint.”
“The restoration is a major task as the clock tower, which worked till the 1990s, as well as the walls, needs to be repaired, and the organ also needs to be overhauled. We hope that the renovation work will give a new lease of life to Will give.” Church,” Rae said.
The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration will start the repair work on Saturday. The church, which is a popular attraction for many tourists in the hill town, has been in a dilapidated condition for a long time. Plaster is crumbling from the walls, wooden floor panels are damaged and the belfry and organ are non-functioning.
“The church was established in 1843 and such a heritage structure should be preserved. Earlier, funds came for the restoration of the church, but the money was withdrawn due to some reason. After constituting the new board , we took the matter forward again and the state government allocated Rs 1.9 crore for the work. The tender has been floated and the work will start from Saturday,” GTA tourism councilor Norden Sherpa said.
The present form of the church will be kept intact as it is a heritage structure and a specialized architect has been contracted to oversee the renovation and restoration.
GTA Chief Executive Officer Anit Thapa said, “The state government sanctioned the funds after proposing the restoration of the church. Our team has worked for peace and we have been able to bring stability to the hills after a long time. “
The church’s pastor, Rupert Rae, said, “We are happy that the church is finally going to be renovated. We are a small congregation with 40 families as members, and with the money we raise we can only run the church. Can only renovate the exterior. Structure and give it a fresh coat of paint.”
“The restoration is a major task as the clock tower, which worked till the 1990s, as well as the walls, needs to be repaired, and the organ also needs to be overhauled. We hope that the renovation work will give a new lease of life to Will give.” Church,” Rae said.