For more than a century, Garrison Wesley Church has stood in Trimulgherry, its sanctuary known across Secunderabad for a remarkable pillar-free wooden roof and a historic belfry. By 2013, the years had begun to tell: the building's rafters were ageing, and the congregation faced a difficult choice — to pull the old church down and rebuild, or to restore what earlier generations had raised.
They chose to restore. Rather than lose a place so woven into the life of the garrison community, the church committed to a careful restoration of the original structure — preserving its character while making it sound for the years ahead. The work cost in the region of ₹1 crore, raised and overseen by a congregation determined to keep its spiritual home standing.
“We did not want a new building. We wanted our church — the one our families have worshipped in for generations — restored and ready for those who come after us.”
The restored church was rededicated on 21 December 2014, a day marked with thanksgiving and followed by a joyful procession through Lal Bazar. In 2015, the restoration was recognised with a heritage award from INTACH, honouring the care taken to preserve a building of real historical and architectural value.
From Decay to Rededication
Today the Heritage Preservation Fund continues that work — maintaining the roof, altar and belfry so that worship can go on uninterrupted. Through our Sqft Seva campaign, members and friends can share in caring for this historic house of worship, one square foot at a time.
- Restoration begun in 2013 as the rafters aged
- The congregation chose to restore, not rebuild
- Rededicated on 21 December 2014, with a procession through Lal Bazar
- Honoured with an INTACH heritage award in 2015
This article is drawn from confirmed facts about the church's restoration. Dates and figures should be reviewed by the church before publication.