Scots’ Kirk Mumbai: A Rare Tour of St. Andrew & St. Columba Churches

527

Tucked away in South Mumbai’s Fort area, the Church of St. Andrew and the Church of St. Columba — collectively known as Scots’ Kirk Mumbai, are among the city’s most overlooked historical churches. I & Sarah got the opportunity to explore both the churches, learn about it’s history and take some rare personal images with you to share.

Built during the colonial era and rooted in Scottish Presbyterian tradition, these two churches reveal a quiet chapter of Mumbai’s rich multicultural heritage. While famous churches like Mount Mary in Bandra draw crowds, Scots’ Kirk remains a hidden gem that few know about, making it a perfect pick for those seeking lesser-known places to visit in Mumbai.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the church authorities for their gracious support in making this article possible. Special thanks to Bishop The Rt. Rev. Sudhakar Rao, Deacon Sanjay Waghmare, and Dr. D.P.N. Prasad, Chairman of the Kirk Sessions, for allowing us to capture the essence of this magnificent church through photographs and for sharing valuable insights about its history and significance.

Scots’ Kirk: A Historical Presbyterian Church in Mumbai

Scots’ Kirk was founded by Scottish soldiers stationed in Mumbai in the early 19th century as a place for Presbyterian worship.

The original St. Andrew’s Church was built in Kala Ghoda in 1815, followed by St. Columba’s in 1843 to serve the growing Presbyterian community. In 1938, the two churches merged under the name Scots’ Kirk to streamline administration.

St. Columba’s, still active today, showcases restrained Gothic architecture—a nod to the Presbyterian ethos of simplicity. Though less grand than St. Andrew’s once was, it remains a symbol of Mumbai’s Scottish legacy.

The church continues to serve the Presbyterian community with regular services in English and Malayalam, keeping alive its historic and cultural roots.

The Architecture of Scots’ Kirk: St. Andrew and St. Columba

Scots’ Kirk reflects two architectural legacies, those of St. Andrew’s and St. Columba’s, each with its own charm and historical context.

St. Andrew’s, built over 200 years ago, followed a classical colonial style with more pronounced proportions and formal structure. St. Columba’s, by contrast, leans into Gothic Revival influences like tall pointed arches, ribbed ceilings, and a quiet elegance rooted in Presbyterian restraint.

The design of St. Columba’s prioritises openness over ornamentation. Its high wooden ceilings, built by skilled Arabian shipbuilders, add a feeling of lightness and space. Stained glass windows line the walls of both churches, displaying Bible verses rather than elaborate scenes, another nod to Presbyterian simplicity.

Though different in style, both buildings reflect a common thread: modest grace with spiritual depth, echoing the values of the community they served.

Its Connection with the Arabian Shipbuilders

Scots’ Kirk in Mumbai holds a lesser-known but fascinating connection to Arabian shipbuilders who once worked along the city’s coastline. These master craftsmen, renowned for their maritime carpentry, played a key role in shaping the churches’ distinctive wooden ceilings.

Both St. Andrew’s and St. Columba’s feature high, vaulted wooden roofs crafted by these artisans. The design evokes the hull of a ship turned upside down, expansive, sturdy, and graceful, creating open interiors that feel both grand and serene.

This collaboration wasn’t limited to Kirk alone. At Bombay Scottish School, for example, the flagpole is famously fashioned from a ship’s mast, another nod to the shipbuilding legacy woven into Mumbai’s colonial past.

The role of Arabian shipbuilders in constructing these Scottish churches is a powerful example of Mumbai’s layered heritage, where cultures and craftsmanship converged to build lasting icons.

Its Connection to Scottish Soldiers in Mumbai

The origins of Scots’ Kirk lie with Scottish soldiers stationed in Mumbai during the early 19th century. Serving under the British Army, these men longed for a space that reflected their faith and homeland.

At first, they worshipped at the old courthouse near Lion Gate, thanks to permission from the East India Company. But as the Presbyterian congregation grew, so did the need for a dedicated church.

That’s when Homajee Bomajee, a generous Parsi merchant, stepped in, donating land for what would become St. Andrew’s Church in 1815. Named after the patron saint of Scotland, it became a spiritual anchor for the Scottish Regiment far from home.

This link between the soldiers and the kirk continues to define its identity. Even today, visiting Scots’ Kirk offers a glimpse into the lives of those who once celebrated Christmas and Sunday worship in a city still finding its shape.

The Belfry That Lightning Took

One of the most poignant stories tied to Scots’ Kirk is the missing belfry at St. Columba’s Church. In 1930, a bolt of lightning struck the church during a storm, toppling the belfry and silencing the bell that once called worshippers to prayer.

The bell was destroyed in the crash. And for decades, its absence echoed louder than its chimes ever did.

Yet, the church carried on. Services continued. Faith endured. The missing belfry became part of the kirk’s identity, less a flaw, more a scar of survival.

Only recently was the silence broken. A new bell was gifted to the church, bringing back the familiar sound that had been lost for nearly a century. But the absence of the original belfry still stands as a quiet symbol of time, memory, and resilience.

The Homeless Street Children Project: A Quiet Mission of Hope

While Scots’ Kirk may not be among the most famous churches in Mumbai, its impact reaches far beyond its modest façade, especially through its unwavering commitment to social outreach.

The church’s Homeless Street Children Project began in 1975 as Operation Shidori, a relief initiative launched to feed street dwellers during drought and famine.

By 1995, the mission had grown. A non-formal education program called The Pavement School was introduced to give street children access to basic education and inspire them to join mainstream schools.

With the support of teachers, counsellors, and student volunteers from institutions like St. Xavier’s College and Cathedral and John Connon School, the program began providing books, uniforms, school bags, and daily nutritious meals, completely free of charge. Partner NGOs further extended support through regular medical checkups.

Over the years, The Pavement School evolved into what is now the Homeless Street Children Project, the official outreach wing of Scots’ Kirk and a beacon of hope for countless children navigating life on the margins.

👉 Learn more about this project: thehscp.org

Scots’ Kirk in Mumbai – A Hidden Gem of Heritage and Heart

Scots’ Kirk is more than a historical landmark, it’s a quiet witness to Mumbai’s layered colonial history and the deep roots of the Scottish community in the city. From the classical architecture of Church of St. Andrew to the Gothic simplicity of St. Columba church, it stands as a symbol of faith, resilience, and cultural exchange.

Its ties to Scottish soldiers, Arabian shipbuilders, and local philanthropy give it a unique place in Mumbai’s architectural and social landscape. Though lesser known than other famous churches in Mumbai, Scots’ Kirk has left an enduring mark, not only as a place of worship but as a hub of compassion and community service.

As more visitors uncover its stories and spirit, Scots’ Kirk is steadily claiming its rightful place as one of the most meaningful and historically rich churches in Mumbai.

🧾 Frequently Asked Questions about Scots’ Kirk, Mumbai