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Historic Church Plaque Honors Poet Michael Madhusudan Dutt
8 Mar
Summary
- Old Mission Church marked Michael Madhusudan Dutt's 1843 baptism with a new plaque.
- Founded in 1770, it's Bengal's oldest Protestant church, witnessing many historical events.
- The church has survived cyclones, earthquakes, and wars, standing resilient through Kolkata's trials.
A plaque commemorating the baptism of poet Michael Madhusudan Dutt in 1843 was unveiled at the Old Mission Church on RN Mukherjee Road in Kolkata. This event highlights the church's rich history. Founded in 1770 by Swedish missionary John Zechariah Kiernander, it holds the distinction of being the oldest Protestant church in Bengal. Its foundation was laid in 1767, and the building was dedicated in 1770.
The church has stood as a silent witness to numerous significant events throughout Kolkata's existence. These include two world wars, pandemics, and the Indian independence movement. Notably, the church itself has demonstrated remarkable resilience, surviving major natural calamities such as the Great Cyclone of 1864 and the Assam earthquake of 1897. More recently, it sustained some damage during Cyclone Amphan, yet continues to stand, embodying the city's endurance.
The unveiling of the plaque on February 9, 1843, serves as a tribute to a literary giant and a reminder of the church's role in witnessing pivotal moments in the city's history. Its quiet presence near Dalhousie offers a sanctuary from the bustling central business district, preserving a connection to Kolkata's past for current and future generations.
