Afghan Church is situated at the southern end of the Colaba
Island. The Directors of East India Company converted this part of
the island into a military cantonment area with army barracks during
early nineteenth century.
It was built to commemorate those who died during the first Afghan
War. Few years later, the land for the building of the church was
provided by the government on a condition that its steeple could be
seen as a landmark at sea to guide ships navigating the Bombay
Harbour. The designs were prepared by Henry Coney Beare, the City
Engineer, and construction began in 1847. The church was consecrated
in 1858 and the elegant steeple completed in 1865. Mr. Henry Coney
Beare was the same person who laid down the great scheme for the
construction of the Vihar Lake and distribution of water supply by
iron pipes to nearly all parts of Bombay City.
The moment you look at the church, it gives you an impression of
awesome beauty with a majestic style of Gothic architecture. The
church consists of the nave and aisles, fluted columns with Doric
style capitals, a tower and a spire.
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