CSI Immanuel Church (Kochi)

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HISTORY
The Immanuel Church Ernakulam, which is now under the North Kerala Diocese of the Church of South India was established 99 years ago under the Diocese of Travancore-Cochin, on 56 cents of land that was bought in 1905 by the Rev. J.H. Bishop, who built the Church as a memorial for two eminent missionaries, the Rev. E.B. Russel who had served the Church of England in Travancore-Cochin during 1897-99 and the Rev. A.B. Sealy, the first Principal of Maharaja's College, Ernakulam who had served in that capacity from 1875 to 1892 and as Director of Education, Cochin State. The Church was, accordingly known as the Russel Sealy Memorial Church. A brass plaque in the chancel wall commemorates their memory.

The foundation stone for the new Church was laid in 1907 by Sir Arthur Lawley, the Governor of Madras and the construction of the Church began under the supervision of Mr. Browning, the son in law of Mr. Sealy, who was the Chief Engineer of Cochin State. A year later, on 11 th February 1908, the Church was dedicated for service by the Most Rev. R.S. Copleston, the Metropolitan of India and Ceylon.
The main project in the Centenary Celebrations is a new building for thr church over the existing one. The present building, which has over the past, undergone several modifications and extensions, is structurally weak. Some parts of it are 98 years old, but it can accommodate only 300 persons - and therefore already insufficient to meet even the needs of the present congregation. The experts, after an in depth study, have advised that further strengthening or extension is not feasible. Any renovation would mean taking out the pillars and the arch in front of the altar as well as the roof, which are the highlights of the Church. Renovation would also cost a great deal of money without much tangible benefits to the congregation.
The plans envisage a Church of 7000 sq. feet, which can accommodate at least 750 worshippers and with a front elevation very similar to that of the Church as it was before the extension made in 1970 and therefore there will not be much difference in styles between the present Church and the new one proposed to be built.The Church itself will be set at a height of 14 ft above the ground floor, which can be used for car parking or as a hall as deemed appropriate at a later stage. There will be steps in the front and ramps at the sides so that the elderly will have easier access. It is also proposed to install a hydraulic lift so that those who cannot climb even one step will be able to enter the Church.
The estimated cost is Rs. 80 lakhs .