Barisal Oxford Mission Church
Barishal
Barisal Oxford Mission Church, also known as Oxford Mission Epiphany Cathedral Church, is a prominent United Protestant church located in Barisal, Bangladesh. Established in 1903 and completed through subsequent construction phases by 1907, it is one of the oldest and second largest churches in Asia by land area, as well as the largest church in Bangladesh. The church was founded by the England-based Anglican Oxford Mission, which began missionary work in the region in the late 19th century, including educational and medical services. Architecturally, the church exhibits Greek style with a unique design that gives the appearance of five stories externally, though it consists of a single large prayer hall. Its interior features wood carvings, marble tiled floors including a baptismal basin, and a large cross imported from Bethlehem. The church compound spans 35 acres, enclosed by high walls and lined with palm trees, housing 13 ponds, a bell tower with a giant bell rung daily, and facilities such as a school, hospital, library, and hostels. It has been preserved as a cultural heritage site and has withstood various natural disasters, continuing to serve as a significant religious and community center in Barisal.
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Astuce: Visitors should consider arriving early to hear the bell rung seven times daily before prayers. The best time to visit is during dry seasons to comfortably explore the extensive grounds. Advance inquiries are recommended for access to the compound's additional facilities such as the school and hospital. Discounts or special access may be available through church contacts for educational or group visits.
Faits intéressants
- •The church is arguably the second largest church in Asia by land area.
- •The large cross on the main altar was brought from Bethlehem, Palestine.
- •The bell in the red brick bell tower is rung seven times daily, five minutes before prayers.
- •The church compound includes 13 ponds and multiple educational and medical facilities.
- •The church's exterior appears five-storied but contains only one large prayer hall inside.
Histoire
The Oxford Mission Church was established in Barisal in 1903 following the arrival of the Anglican Oxford Mission in the late 19th century.
The Brotherhood of the Epiphany was formed in 1895, followed by the creation of a Sisterhood in 1902 to support missionary activities.
The church's design was initially sketched by Sister Edith Langridge and completed under Father E.
L.
Strong's supervision by 1907, with engineering by Frederick Douglass.
Over the decades, the church expanded its outreach with schools, medical centers, and hostels.
It transitioned from being part of the Church of India, Burma and Ceylon to the United Protestant Church of Bangladesh after denominational mergers.
The church compound has survived numerous natural disasters, maintaining its status as a cultural landmark.
Guide du lieu
Main Prayer Hall1903-1907
A vast single-floor hall designed in Greek architectural style, featuring wood carvings and marble tile flooring, including a baptismal basin. The hall houses the main altar with a large cross from Bethlehem.
Bell TowerEarly 20th century
A red brick tower housing a giant bell that is rung seven times daily before prayers. The tower also contains the church's office room.
Church CompoundEarly 20th century to present
Spanning 35 acres, the compound includes 13 ponds, Oxford Mission High School, a hospital, library, student hostels, and living quarters for clergy and sisters, all surrounded by high walls and rows of palm trees.
Contact
Téléphone: 01727-656072