All Saints Garrison Church

All Saints Garrison Church, Lucknow Cantonment

“Whosoever thou art that enterest this church, leave it not without one Prayer to God for thyself, for those who minister, and for those who worship here.”

Situated at 209, Mahatma Gandhi Road in Lucknow Cantonment, this majestic church was consecrated in 1860 entirely at government expenses. At that time it was small as compared to its present form and architecture. With the passage of time, as Lucknow Cantonment began to expand, the number of troops following Christianity increased and the church was expanded to meet their needs. It was decided in 1908 that a bigger church was extremely necessary. After the new church was reconstructed, it was rechristened as All Saints New Garrison Church. It was designed in 1908 by a British Engineer named Jones Ransom, who has also made the design for the Saint Mungo’s Church of Scotland in Lucknow Cantonment, another church worth a mention. When he returned to England, the work was completed by Lishman under the supervision of architect John Baggs,

The total cost incurred in the construction of this church was Rs. 91,000. The imposing architecture of this church is inspired by Magdalen College, Oxford. Above the main door of the church, situated in the west, is a tall tower which houses the church bell.

The main design of the church was prepared by Jones Ransom, but after he moved to England, the subsequent engineers made a few changes to the design. The tower was constructed a little shorter than it was originally intended and the side walls were also reduced in thickness and height, so that some savings could be done. The quadrangle of the church is also quite large and has seating areas made out of ply. This church has a larger seating capacity than any church in Lucknow. The quadrangle of the church is also quite large and has seating areas made out of ply. The prominent feature of these seats is that every bench has a niche for keeping guns on the upper-back side. This was probably done so that every soldier who was either on duty or was returning from duty could participate in the prayers, along with his weapons.

The Church is taken care of by the Diocese of Lucknow,  Church of North India and is a live monument where he Church Service takes place every Sunday, led by the Presbyter Incharge Rev. Abhay Soans

How to Reach: