Exploring the Spiritual Heritage: List of Churches in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh

Prayagraj, a city steeped in history and culture, is not only known for its ancient temples and the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers but also for its vibrant Christian community. The city is home to several beautiful churches that reflect its colonial past and religious harmony. In this blog, we will take you through some of the most notable and famous churches in Prayagraj, each with its own unique history and architectural charm.

Here is a list of some prominent churches of all denominations in Prayagraj. This is not a complete list of churches in Prayagraj; there are many other churches as well as several independent churches in Prayagraj city and rural areas.

All Saints’ Cathedral, Prayagraj:

About All Saints’ Cathedral, Prayagraj:

The All Saints’ Cathedral in Prayagraj, also known as “Pathar Girja” is a historic Gothic-style church designed by Sir William Emerson, the architect of the Victoria Memorial in Kolkatta. Built between 1871 and 1927, it features stunning architecture, including pointed arches, stained glass windows, and intricate carvings. Notable elements include the Altar, Pulpit, Font, Lectern, and the Rose Window, all crafted with exquisite detail. 

The Cathedral, a symbol of peace and faith, houses priceless artworks and memorials. Despite its grandeur, parts like the organ are in disrepair. The congregation appeals for support to preserve and enhance this architectural marvel, ensuring its legacy for future generations. This Church belongs to Church of North India, Diocese of Lucknow. Address: Sarojini Naidu Marg, Civil Lines, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211001

Jamuna Church, Prayagraj:

About Jamuna Church, Prayagraj:

Jamuna Church is located on the banks of the Yamuna River in Prayagraj. It was built in 1847 by the American missionary Rev. John Edgar Freeman. The church underwent reconstruction in its 160th year (1997) and the new building was completed on January 1, 2000. This church has been a center for the development of educational institutions such as Ewing Christian College, Jamuna High School, and Mary Wanamaker Girls College. Four of its former pastors became bishops of the Lucknow Diocese. This Church belongs to Church of North India, Diocese of Lucknow. Address: Gaughat, near ECC, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211003

Naini Community Church, Prayagraj:

About Naini Community Church, Prayagraj:

Naini Community Church, located near Naini Junction railway station in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, is a Protestant church under the Church of North India, Diocese of Lucknow. Founded in 1954 by Mason Vaugh, an agricultural Engineer at Allahabad Agricultural Institute, the church accommodates over 500 people, the church promotes unity and compassion, welcoming people of all backgrounds. Its traditional architecture, including a tall spire, symbolises faith and hope, creating a space for fellowship and spiritual growth. Address: Near Naini Junction railway station, Naini, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh-211007

Katra Church, Prayagraj:

About Katra Church, Prayagraj:

Katra Church was established in December 1871. Initially, worship took place in a small chapel built by Joseph Warren. The foundation of the current church building was laid in August 1900, and it was consecrated in March-April 1901. J.M. Alexander played a significant role in its construction, which cost around 8,000 rupees. In 1914, Bethel Hostel was built. Katra Church has made a significant contribution to the development of the church and the community. This Church belongs to Church of North India, Diocese of Lucknow. Address: Mission Compound, Katra, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211002

St. Peter's Church, Prayagraj:

About St. Peter’s Church, Muirabad, Prayagraj:

Before the 1857 revolt, the government of the North-Western Provinces was headquartered in Agra, and the Christian Missionary Press in Sikandra handled official printing. During the revolt, Christians’ homes were burned, forcing them to live in temporary huts. After the revolt ended in 1859, the capital was moved from Agra to Allahabad, and some employees of the Christian Press relocated there. In 1869, they were settled in a place called ‘Muirabad,’ where a church foundation was laid in 1872. 

The church was completed and consecrated in 1875, funded by the Christian Missionary Society and other sources. Over time, the Christian community spread to other parts of the city, worshipping in various churches. Descendants of Muirabad’s original residents still live there, though land scarcity limits space for newcomers. This Church belongs to Church of North India, Diocese of Lucknow. Address: Davis Bhawan, 151 A, Kamla Nagar, Myorabad, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211002

St. Paul's Church, Prayagraj:

About St. Paul’s Church, Prayagraj:

St. Paul’s Church (Chapel) was built in 1856 and served as a school until 1881. In 1881, it was granted church status by the Church of England. It features a high roof made of stone slabs, a tin roof, and wooden pillars beneath an iron net. A bell made of German silver, imported from England in 1883, hangs at the eastern end. The church has baptism fonts carved in Hindi and Urdu. St. Paul’s School started in 1881 with seven students and gradually expanded. In 1881, St. Paul’s Divinity School was opened, with Dr. William Hooper as its principal. This Church belongs to Church of North India, Diocese of Lucknow. Address:  5/8, Kamla Nehru Road, North Malaka, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211001

Holy Trinity Church, Prayagraj:

About Holy Trinity Church, Prayagraj:

Holy Trinity Church is the second oldest church in Prayagraj, built in 1839 by Lieutenant Sharpe. It was designed by Major Smith in Colonial Gothic style and is inspired by St Martin-in-the-Fields Church in London. The church was dedicated by Bishop Daniel Wilson on 19 February 1841. The church stands on eight pillars, each of which is 125 feet tall and 70 feet wide. It also houses memorabilia related to the Gwalior Campaign of 1857 and the Sepoy Mutiny. This Church belongs to Church of North India, Diocese of Lucknow. Address: 9 B, Moti Lal Nehru Rd, Allen Ganj, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211002

St. John's Church, Prayagraj:

About St. John’s Church, Prayagraj:

St. John’s Church, named after Jesus Christ’s disciple, was founded in 1872 in memory of William Muir. Designed for army battalions, its benches feature spaces to hold guns, reflecting its military background. By 1879, as Allahabad developed and St. Peter’s Church was being built, Indian Christians began worshipping at churches closer to their homes. The Anglican community now worships in four churches, including St. John’s Church. This Church belongs to Church of North India, Diocese of Lucknow. Address: 13/C, Dr KN Katju Rd, Miurabad, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211003

Chowk Church, Prayagraj:

About Chowk Church, Praygraj:

As per some record this church is established in 1840. Currently Chowk Church is most busy area church it is situated near Loknath Chouraha near the historical Neem tree at Prayagraj Chowk. Church is Open for Sunday Service and all Christian services.  This Church belongs to Church of North India, Diocese of Lucknow. Address: Chowk, near Loknath Chouraha, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211003

Central Methodist Church, Prayagraj:

About Central Methodist Church, Prayagraj:

Central Methodist Church is also known as Lal Girja for its red brick structure, the church is built in Indo-Roman style. Address: 26, Tashkent Marg, Civil Lines, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211001

St. Joseph's Cathedral, Prayagraj:

About St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Prayagraj:

St. Joseph’s Cathedral is the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Allahabad, in Prayagraj, India. Built in 1879, the cathedral represents a fine example of Italian architecture. It is said that the craftsmen and materials were brought from Italy. Address: St. Joseph’s Cathedral, 32, Thornhill Road, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211002.

St. Patrick's Church, Prayagraj:

About St. Patrick’s Church, Prayagraj:

Built in 1907, it is a Roman Catholic Church. It’s belongs to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Allahabad, in Prayagraj. Address: Cariappa Rd, Cantonment, Dhoomanganj, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211017

St. Mary's Church, Prayagraj:

About St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Prayagraj:

It is a Roman Catholic Church. It’s also belongs to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Allahabad, in Prayagraj. Address: 87/7, Kamla Nagar, Myorabad, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211002

St. Don Bosco Church, Prayagraj:

About St. Don Bosco Church, Prayagraj:

This church situated in Bethany Convent School, Naini Campus. It is a Catholic Church. Address: Bethany Convent School, Naini, Prayagraj -211007

Our Lady of Queen of The Apostles' Church, Prayagraj:

About Our Lady of Queen of The Apostles’ Church, Prayagraj: 

Built in 1939, it is a Roman Catholic Church. It’s also belongs to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Allahabad, in Prayagraj.  It’s located inside the Shanti Sadan complex at Chaitham lines. Address: Ranipur, 28 B-Chatham Lines, Prayagraj, U.P. 211 002

St. Thomas Orthodox Syrian Church Prayagraj:

About St. Thomas Orthodox Syrian Church, Prayagraj:

Consecrated on 8 February 1889 by then Bishop of Calcutta Ralph Johnson and built by Horace Barnet, the church in 1897 was dedicated to Queen Victoria. Address: Cant Area, Phaphamau, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211001

Allahabad Pentecostal Church, Prayagraj:

About Allahabad Pentecostal Church, Prayagraj:

Built of stones and red bricks in 1840, it was the first church in the city to be built on a rented property. Address: 18, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Civil Lines, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211001

Union Church, Prayagraj:

About Union Church, Prayagraj:

Built in 1818, in Civil Lines, this is the oldest church in Prayagraj. “Union Churches” were built all around India during British colonial times, initially for British officers to use. Nowadays, it is the home of “Yeshu Darbar North” – the first branch church of Prayagraj’s “Yeshu Darbar” in Naini. Address: Civil Lines, Prayagraj 211001

Yeshu Darbar, Prayagraj:

About Yeshu Darbar, Prayagraj:

In 2001, a small Bible study became a large, open-air meeting held weekly in Naini, Prayagraj (just south of the Yamuna). Thousands attend services every week, some coming from the villages on Friday, staying for Saturday and Sunday services, and heading back to the villages on Monday. Large emphasis on healing ministry. Congregation found on the SHUATS campus (“Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology, & Sciences,” commonly simply called “Agricultural Institute”). Address: SHUATS, Rewa Road, Near Old Yamuna Bridge, Prayagraj -211007

Chapel of Brotherly Love, Prayagraj:

About Chapel of Brotherly Love, SHUATS, Prayagraj:

The Chapel of Brotherly Love belongs to SHUATS, Prayagraj. The Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology, And Sciences (SHUATS). The Chapel of Brotherly Love, helping the Christian students to inculcate the habit of daily Bible reading and prayer. They are also encouraged to take part in conducting the Chapel and church services and shouldering Church responsibilities for cultural and spiritual advancement. Students from other faiths are welcome to attend the daily devotion and Sunday Chapel Services of their own free will. Address: SHUATS, Rewa Road, Mahewa, Prayagraj -211007

FWAG Church, Prayagraj:

About FWAG (Full Worship Assembly of God Prayer Centre): FWAG church is situated in 01, Thornhill Road, SBI Bank, near Radio Station, Civil Lines, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211001

Mar Thoma Syrian Church, Prayagraj

About Mar Thoma Syrian Church, Prayagraj:

This church is belonging to basically Malyali Community (Kerala). Its Address: Mar Thoma Bhavan, 76/4 A, Stanley Rd, Miurabad, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211001

Allahabad Bible Seminary Church, Prayagraj:

About Allahabad Bible Seminary, Prayagraj:

Allahabad Bible Seminary is an Evangelical theological institution with an ecumenical approach, dedicated to training dedicated men and women for effective ministry both in India and abroad. It is a diverse, multicultural, multilingual, and multi-denominational institution, welcoming students from all states and churches across India. The seminary’s mission is to communicate the transformative and liberating message of the Gospel to bring about societal change. Address: Stanley Rd, Dwarika Puri, Old Katra, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211002

Evangelical Church of India, Prayagraj:

About Evangelical Church of India, Mundera, Prayagraj:

The Evangelical Church of India (ECI) is a Christian denomination in India Address: Neem Sarai Road, Mundera, (Near Mothers Public School) Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211011

Assembly of Believers' Church, Prayagraj:

About Assembly of Believers’ Church:

There are two branches of the Assembly of Believer’s Church, Naini, Prayagraj and Katra, Prayagraj.

Conclusion:

Prayagraj’s churches are not just places of worship but also architectural marvels that reflect the city’s rich history and cultural diversity. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or a spiritual seeker, these churches offer a unique glimpse into the city’s past and present. Next time you visit Prayagraj, make sure to explore these serene and beautiful places of worship.

Tips for Visitors:

  • Check the timings of the churches before visiting, as some may have restricted hours for tourists.

  • Dress modestly and maintain the decorum of these sacred spaces.

  • Don’t forget to capture the stunning architecture, but always ask for permission before taking photographs inside.

Call to Action:

Have you visited any of these churches in Prayagraj? Share your experiences in the comments below! If you found this blog helpful, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family. You must read the How to Find Christian Communities Near You in India article.

References:

www.google.co.in; www.dioceseoflucknowcni.org; www.dioceseofallahabad.org; www.facebook.com

 

4 thoughts on “Exploring the Spiritual Heritage: List of Churches in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh”

  1. This was indeed an enlightening post. Thank you for sharing such detailed information. Hope to visit all these Churches in Prayagraj someday.

  2. Edward Shamprasad

    Its really very much informative❤️❤️❤️
    We Sounth Indians we never know about Christian Churches in Prayagraj is so much Well Flourished and Rich in Architectural Beauty ! Thanks for your writeups and Pictures !
    God Bless You 🌹🌹🌹

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