Renovated St. Peter’s church rededicated 

“Because zeal for your house has eaten me up, and the reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me”

The Most Rev. Purely Lyngdoh, Moderator, Church of North India, rededicated and deconsecrated the renovated St. Peter’s Church Muirabad Allahabad on January 24, 2010. The Rt. Rev. Morris Edgar Dan, Bishop, Diocese of Lucknow was also present on the occasion.

The congregation of this small pastorate, who’s begging dates back to 1870, rose to a chilly, foggy morning eagerly awaiting the most epochal event. The vent for which had patiently waited and prayed for over four years. The church was beautifully decorated, almost adorned as bride for her bridegroom. The Rev. Rajesh A. K. Joseph, Secretary, Diocese of Lucknow, read aloud the memorial on behalf of the memorialists appealing to the Moderator to rededicate and deconsecrate the renovated Church.

According to the custom, the Moderator, responding to the appeal, knocked at the door thrice with the pastoral staff saying “Let the doors be opened”. Rev. J. J, Newton, Presbyter in charge ceremoniously opened the door. The Moderator marked the threshold with the sign of the cross pronouncing peace in this house and to all who enter here. The Moderator and Bishop Dan unveiled the stone tablet erected to commemorate this historic moment.

The procession moved into the Church and stopped near the Baptism Font, The Moderator laid a hand and consecrated it with a prayer. As the procession advanced toward the Altar the congregation sang the familiar hymn “Onward Christian Soldier”, in Hindi of course. This was followed by the consecration of the Pulpit and an inspiring and soul stirring message by the Moderator. The Church choir and the Youth Fellowship rendered two beautiful songs for the service.

Rev. J. J. Newton, welcomed and thanked the Most Rev. Purely Lyngdoh, Moderator, CNI, Mrs. Nancy Lyngdoh Bishop Morris Dan, Mrs. Dan for their presence on the occasion the dignitaries were presented mementos. After the close of worship all joined in a congregational lunch where the members of the congregation had a very close intimate fellowship with the heads of the Church, the Diocese and the other institutional heads and the clergy.