Sacred Heart Cathedral

Located near the Gol Dak Khana is one of the most important Catholic Churches in Delhi - the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. Henry Medd designed the church, though initially eight architects were invited to submit plans for the new cathedral. The members of the panel of judges included Sir Edwin Lutyens and Father Luke, the driving force behind the construction of this beautiful cathedral.

The 14 acres of land, which form the cathedral grounds, were acquired in 1920 for just Rs 7000, upon a perpetual lease with a yearly rental of Rs 365. Rev Dr. E. Vanni, Archbishop of Agra in 1929, laid the foundation stone of the cathedral and the construction began in 1930. Sir Anthony de Mello donated the main altar of the church, which is made of pure marble. His grace the Archbishop of Agra presented the bell, vestments and altar furniture.

The plaque near the gates describes the cahtherdral as:

"This is the main catholic church of the Archdiocese of Delhi. The land was bought by Fr. Luke an Italian Capuchin in 1920. Mr Henry Med was the chief architect. Most Rev. Evangelist Vanni Archbishop of Agra laid the foundation stone in 1929 and it was completed in 1934. The church was inagurated on 8th December 1935."

Today the cathedral stands between two schools, Saint Columbas’ and Convent of Jesus and Mary. These schools were build on church land which lay mostly unutilised.

Address – Gol Dakkhana (Near Connaught Place), New Delhi

Thsese are external shots of the structure. We will cover the inside in the subsequent posts.