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St Andrew Church, Karachi

It is distressing, because St Andrew’s Church is a paragon of beauty. You do not have to worry if you are an architecture ignoramus, because even a fleeting look at the structure will tell you how beautiful it is. Grab a camera. Take its picture. Keep it for posterity to remind it of the times when indulging in stonework was a spiritual exercise. Not that it isn’t anymore, it’s just that time is a cruel tyrant. Sometimes it changes things that need no alteration.

There is history to take note of as well. Inscriptions in memory of some illustrious individuals who contributed to St Andrew’s Church in their own distinct way can also be seen. For example, “To the Glory of God and In Loving Memory of Edward Mackenzie an Elder of This Church And for 36 Years Medical Officer Manora Who Passed Away on 5th Feb 1925.”

And if you stroll along the grassy stretch around the church it’s impossible to overlook a decent-looking memorial to military men which has a lot of material to go through. The foundation stone of St Andrew’s Church was laid in February 1867 by commander-in-chief of the Bombay Army, Robert Napier. The architectural features of the structure are a tall spire, buttresses and Gothic-style openings. Adjacent to the octagonal porch entrance there is a 135ft tall tower. Many believe the standout element of the building is the intricately carved rose window at the southern end. A five light window on its opposite side is no less striking.

[Source: Karachi Legacies of Empires by Peerzada Salman]