125-year-old Srinagar church e-inaugurated
Srinagar, Dec 23:Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday e-inaugurated the 125-year-old St Luke’s church, one of the oldest in Kashmir, at Dalgate in the southwestern slope of Shankaracharya Hills in Srinagar that had remained shut for about 30 years due to militancy.
Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir started renovating the church about a month ago and it has been restored to its original shape and texture under the Srinagar smart project scheme.
Pastor Eric from the Church of North India (CN) led the prayers on Wednesday — for the first time in 30 years.
Members of an overjoyed Christian community called the church reopening “a dream come true”.
The foundation stone erected on the wall of the Church by two Britons “To The Glory of God” and “As a witness to Kashmir” was dedicated by the Bishop of Lahore on September 12, 1896.
“The St Luke’s church is a unique symbol of J&K’s composite culture. We must strengthen the values of brotherhood, peace and selfless service,” Sinha tweeted.
“Congratulations to all the citizens, especially our Christian brothers and sisters,” he said.