Nainital: Nainital, the lake city of Uttarakhand, is known not only for its natural beauty but also for its religious harmony and diversity. This is the reason why it is also called the city of all religions. Here in the same city, major religious places of Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and Christian religions are present nearby. Maa Nayana Devi Temple, Arya Samaj Temple, Gurudwara Guru Singh Sabha, Jama Masjid and Methodist Church located in Mallital of the city are strong examples of this religious unity. One of these, the Methodist Church, is considered to be the oldest Methodist Church not only in Nainital but in the whole of India, which still preserves its historical heritage.
The Methodist Church, located above the Mall Road, near the rickshaw stand in Mallital, is more than 160 years old. This building built during the British rule is known for its beauty, structure and historical identity. Its history is linked to India’s first freedom struggle. Also, this is the first Methodist Church not only in India but also in Asia.
Nainital resident famous historian Prof. According to Ajay Rawat, the construction of the Methodist Church is linked to the first war of independence in 1857. At that time, when American Methodist missionary William Butler reached India, he propagated the Methodist religion in many cities including Calcutta and Allahabad. He wanted to establish Methodist Church in Calcutta and Allahabad, but could not succeed. After which he went to Bareilly and after coming here he also bought land for the construction of a church. But then the First War of Independence of 1857 took place in Meerut, during which Bareilly Commander Nicholson advised Butler to go to Nainital for security reasons. After this, Butler reached Nainital on 22 September 1858, from where the foundation of the establishment of India’s first Methodist Church was laid.
Also read: The British had given the status of ‘Chhoti Vilayat’ to Nainital, that is why it is called Church City.
Nainital has historical identity
Professor Rawat tells that with the help of the then Kumaon Commissioner Sir Henry Ramsey, the construction work of this church was started near Mallital rickshaw stand. It took about two years to complete the church. It was designed keeping in mind the city environment, where natural light and open environment were the main features. For this reason it is also known as the county church. A glimpse of the European architecture of that period is clearly visible in the structure of the church, which attracts tourists and history lovers even today. Today this church is not only the center of faith of the Christian community, but has also become an important part of the cultural heritage of Nainital.
Every year special religious programs are organized here on the occasion of Christmas. During this time, Christmas cake is cut and distributed among the devotees in the church. The special thing is that people of every religion participate enthusiastically in these programs, which reflects the Ganga-Jamuni culture of Nainital. The Methodist Church located in Mall Road is a symbol of history, faith and harmony, which also reflects the rich history of Nainital.
