Walk past the noisy suburban bus stand on Nilgiri Road and you’ll spot the impressive stone tower of St Bartholomew Church, Mysore’s oldest Protestant church. Built in 1832 for East India Company troops, this CSI cathedral has witnessed 193 years of Christian worship in the royal city.
Quick Information St Bartholomew Church
Location: Lashkar Mohalla, Nilgiri Road (near Suburban Bus Stand)
Founded: 1832 (193 years old)
Denomination: Church of South India (CSI)
Sunday Services: English 8:00 AM, Kannada 9:30 AM
Weekday Services: Wednesday 6:00 PM, Friday 6:30 PM
Parking: Free behind church building
Contact: 0821-2423847
History of CSI St Bartholomew Cathedral
Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar III gifted the land in 1830 for this Anglican church built by Madras Government. The church grounds were consecrated on November 29, 1830 by Bishop Turner of Calcutta, with construction completed in 1832 at a cost of 3,500.
British Resident Arthur Henry Cole played crucial role in securing royal support. The church served European military officers under Mysore Maharaja and British Resident. In 1847, it affiliated with Anglican denomination before joining Church of South India formation in 1947.
Architectural Features and Interior
The church showcases typical colonial Anglican architecture with thick stone walls and pointed arch windows. The separate bell tower houses a historic French bell cast in mid-17th century, originally from French army church in Pandavapura near Srirangapatna.
Inside, you’ll find memorial inscriptions for British officers including Francis Lewis (died 1861), Lt.Col. T M McHutchin (1873), and Lt. Col. A H Macintire (1897). The stained glass painting of St Bartholomew was donated by Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodiyar IV.
Sunday Service Schedule and Worship
English worship service starts precisely at 8:00 AM every Sunday, attracting English-speaking Christians and visitors. The Kannada service at 9:30 AM serves local CSI families from Lashkar Mohalla and surrounding areas.
First Sunday each month features Holy Communion with extended service time. The congregation sings traditional Anglican hymns including popular Malayalam and Tamil Christian songs during festival seasons.
How to Reach St Bartholomew Church
From City Bus Stand, walk 800 meters via Shivarampet Road – takes 10 minutes. From Mysore Railway Station, take auto for 40 or KSRTC bus 216 (12 fare) to Suburban Bus Stand stop.
The church is prominently located – you can’t miss the stone tower near the busy bus stand. Local landmarks include Corporation Bank and Hotel Mayura Hoysala on same road.
Educational Legacy and Community Role
St Bartholomew ran school for European officers’ children when no English education existed in Mysore or Bangalore. The Sunday School started in 1874 continues today, teaching local children basic English and Christian values.
The church maintains three historic cemeteries: Garrison Cemetery Srirangapatna, European Cemetery on Mysore-Bangalore Road, and Benson Cemetery on Mysore-Nanjangud Road. These house graves of British officials and their families.
Royal and Distinguished Visitors
Governor-General Lord William Bentinck attended services here during his official Mysore visit (1833-1835). Prince Albert Victor prayed here in 1889, followed by Prince of Wales (later King George V) in 1906 and Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII) in 1921.
These royal visits led to development projects including storehouses on Sayyaji Rao Road opposite Devaraja Market and improvement of Purnaiaya Nala from Lansdowne Building to railway crossing.
Weekday Services and Special Events
Wednesday evening prayer service at 6:00 PM focuses on Bible study and fellowship. Friday 6:30 PM service includes healing prayers and personal testimonies. Both services conducted in Kannada with English translation available.
Christmas Eve midnight service features candlelight carol singing. Easter sunrise service starts 6:00 AM in church premises. Annual harvest festival in October showcases local agricultural produce blessed during service.
Bell Tower and Historic Bell
The separate bell tower was moved from rear to front in 2002 and re-dedicated by Bishop Rev. Dr. C L Furtado. The French bell has survived since mid-1600s – originally served French army base church in Erode village near Srirangapatna.
After Tipu Sultan’s defeat in 1799, the bell passed to British control. When old French church was dismantled in 1924 for Irwin Canal (now Visvesvaraya Canal), Chaplain Rev. G A A Wright received the bell for St Bartholomew.
Contemporary Church Activities
The church runs monthly fellowship meetings, women’s prayer groups every Tuesday 4:00 PM, and youth Bible study sessions Saturday 5:00 PM. Annual church camp happens at Coorg in January for 3 days with bus transport provided.
Community kitchen serves free meals during festival seasons. Medical camp quarterly with free consultation by CSI doctors. Blood donation drives twice yearly coordinated with Mysore District Hospital.
Practical Visiting Information
Church opens daily 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM for prayer and meditation. Photography allowed in premises but not during worship services. Visitors welcome to attend any service regardless of denomination.
Free parking available behind church building for 15 cars. Street parking on Nilgiri Road costs 10 per hour. Nearest ATM is Corporation Bank 100 meters away. Public toilets available in bus stand complex.
What Makes This Church Special
Unlike newer churches, St Bartholomew maintains original Anglican liturgy adapted for CSI worship. The historic cemetery gives glimpse into British colonial period. French bell’s survival through 4 centuries makes it unique in South India.
Local congregation includes families whose ancestors attended here for 5 generations. The church register contains baptism records from 1832, marriage certificates of British officers, and death records of colonial officials.
Nearby Attractions and Facilities
Walk 1.2 km to famous St Philomena Cathedral via Ashoka Road. Devaraja Market is 500 meters for fresh flowers and incense. Lansdowne Building with government offices is 400 meters walking distance.
Hotel options nearby include Mayura Hoysala (government), budget lodges on JLB Road, and homestays in Lashkar Mohalla. Udupi restaurants on Shivarampet Road serve South Indian meals from 80.
Local Community and Congregation
The church serves around 150 families primarily from CSI background. Malayalam-speaking families from Kerala form 30% of congregation. Tamil Christians from Mandi Mohalla area attend regularly.
Church council includes retired government employees, teachers, and small business owners. Women’s fellowship actively participates in church decoration, flower arrangements, and community service programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Sunday service timings at St Bartholomew Church?
English service 8:00 AM and Kannada service 9:30 AM every Sunday. Holy Communion on first Sunday monthly. Services last approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
How old is St Bartholomew Church and what’s its historical significance?
Built in 1832, it’s Mysore’s oldest Protestant church. Served British officers and European residents. Royal visitors included future Kings of England. Maintains 193-year Christian heritage.
Where exactly is the church located and how to reach?
Lashkar Mohalla, Nilgiri Road near Suburban Bus Stand. 800m walk from City Bus Stand via Shivarampet Road. Auto 40 from railway station or bus 216 for 12.
Can non-Christians visit the church and attend services?
Yes, visitors of all faiths welcome. Church open daily 7:00 AM-6:00 PM for prayer. Photography allowed in premises but not during worship. Modest dress required.
What makes this church different from other Mysore churches?
Oldest Protestant church with 193-year history. Original Anglican architecture. Historic French bell from 1600s. Cemetery with British colonial graves. CSI denomination represents united Indian Christianity.
Last Updated: August 2025
Next Update: Christmas Events December 2025