The church, built in 1905, houses a collection of old books written in Urdu script. In earlier times, prayers in the Bible were predominantly conducted in Hindi, with Urdu finding its place in the Trinity Church during special Sunday prayers.
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI – The Trinity Church, nestled in the heart of Turkman Gate – a historical area at the confluence of Old and New Delhi –resonates daily with the hums of prayers, preserving a unique blend of Urdu language and Christian traditions. Despite the passage of time, the church stands as a testament to an era when Urdu was an integral part of its religious rituals.
The church in the area’s Christian Colony dates back to 1905 during the British era. It houses a collection of old books written in Urdu script. In earlier times, prayers in the Bible were predominantly conducted in Hindi, with Urdu finding its place in the Trinity Church during special Sunday prayers. However, as generations passed, the tradition of reading Urdu books dwindled, leaving the historical artifacts as a testament to the linguistic heritage of the church.
Victor, a member of the church, reflects on the significance of the Urdu books. “These books were read and cherished by our elders. With the passage of time, the new generation does not know Urdu, making it an essential part of our church’s history.”
Leah, another member, acknowledges the importance of the Urdu books, even though the new generation may not be able to read them. “It is an important part of the history of this church,” she says.
Every Sunday, the church continues its tradition of special prayers, with local residents remembering the time when Urdu prayers were an integral part of the service. The prayers and psalms are now conducted in Hindi, preserving the linguistic flavor of the past.
Giorgini Lazer, a 92-year-old member of the Trinity Church, reminisces about reading Urdu messages in his younger days. “I used to read the message written in Urdu language,” he said, emphasising the linguistic diversity that once thrived within the church.
Despite the changing times, the Trinity Church in Old Delhi remains a historical landmark, not just for its religious significance but also for its contribution to preserving the linguistic heritage of Urdu in the Christian community. As members fondly recall the days when Urdu was a familiar language in the church, the legacy lives on, encapsulated in the pages of old Urdu books that continue to echo the prayers of the past.
