Knowing Jesus and Making Jesus Known
We at All Saints’ church care for the spiritual and wholist growth of our members, helping each other to stand firm on the Word and in faith by Training, Equipping, Motivating, and Encouraging them to move out to present the gospel and shine the light of Jesus to bring healing peace, joy, and hope to the world.
The All Saints’ Church at Khadki (Pune) in Maharashtra state is the second oldest church in the city, being consecrated in 1837. The oldest is St. Mary’s Church in Camp consecrated on July 7, 1825. During the British era, Khadki was earlier an important military station and still remains to date. The church is located close to the Khadki railway station and adjoining Old Mumbai-Pune National Highway.
The All Saints’ Church was consecrated in 1837 by Bishop Thomas Carr, the Bishop of The Bombay Presidency. The original structure was a small Chapel built in 1837 but as the need arose, sometime in 1844 the Chapel was enlarged. However, with the growing number of worshippers, the need for a much bigger church was felt and hence the present stone structure was constructed sometime in 1866. It was then a Garrison church meant mainly for the serving soldiers of the various regiments and battalions stationed at Khadki. The entire maintenance of the church was financed by the Crown. A few of these units were The Sappers and Miners, Royal Tank Corps., The Light Dragoons, The Marine Battalion, XIII Bombay Native Infantry (who later came to be known as The Outram’s Rifles and whose colours were rested at the All Saints’ Church in 1908. The latter unit today is known as the 4th Bn. Rajputana (Outram’s) Rifles. On December 16th, 1869 the Ammunition Factory was established followed by the Kirkee Arsenal in 1907. More worshippers got added to the congregation from these establishments. There are many commemorative plaques placed in the church in the memory and honour of brave hearts from the various military battalions.
During the erstwhile British Raj, special pews were reserved for the General Officer in Command, Southern Command and the Governor. Behind these pews can be found a row of pews with slots in the back rest of the benches to rest the rifles of the service personnel who accompanied the high-level dignitaries to the church. The Altar has a paneling which was fixed in 1935 dedicated to the Glory of God and in memory of King George the Vth. The Stained glass windows that are the main attraction of this magnificent church were imported from Belgium and each weighs about a tonne. The construction of the church is in sandstone sourced from Rajasthan while the Bell which weighs more than a tonne was procured from England.
The All Saints’ Church is in possession of records like marriages, baptisms and burials from 1854 to date. Prior to 1854, the records are unavailable at the church.
The history of the church can be divided into two parts from 1837 to 1947 pre-independence and 1947 to date. Today the church is no longer a Garrison church and the responsibility to maintain the church rests with the original worshipping congregation – the All Saints’ Church, who are also the custodians and inherent users of the church.
Are you passionate about what we're doing? Let us know! We are always looking for volunteers to help us make our vision a reality. We'll help you find a way to volunteer that best suits you. We're excited to have you join the team!
All Saints’ Church is not just a building of stones but has been built by the presence of generations of committed individuals and families and they have all been a proud part of this rich legacy. Wings are necessary to fly and to move forward; thus the different wings of the church made up of people are necessary so that the church can move forward.
Whether you help through monetary donations, volunteering your time, or spreading our mission through word-of-mouth, thank you. We couldn't accomplish our goals without the help of supporters like you.
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