St. Paul Cathedral Church , Unveiling the Legacy of Rawalpindi
After Christ Church, the second oldest church in Rawalpindi is the Church of Saint Paul, which was built approximately 150 years ago, during the era of East India Company in 1876. The construction of church was complete in 1908. Church of Scotland initially established the church. Rev. G.J.Chree first founded the church in 1876. The first pastor-in-charge of church was Rev. Dr. Samuel Titus. The first native Rev. of the Church was Rev Peter, he was assigned to the Church in 1943.
It was started services on 1 January 1908 for the Scottish troops, they was then part of the Northern Command of British Army. The army men were came in the church for Sunday prayer. During the rule of East India Company in sub-continent Rawalpindi, division was consider as home for British army’s northern command. At the time of separation the United Presbyterian Church took the charge of Church. This organization run by the American missionaries.
Currently the Church was located opposite to General Headquarter of Pakistan’s Army. The Church is heighted More than 5 ft. It interior has unique mixture of both British and American’s Church’s interior. The church was renovated in 2008 to celebrate its 100 years of existence, this church is not only the oldest Church of Rawalpindi, it is also one of the oldest church of Punjab.
The government should concentrate on this Church and use this church to promote religious tourism in this region. We can say the St. Paul Cathedral Church is a precious jewel of Rawalpindi.
