THE ONE-DAY CHURCH BUILT TURNS 114 YEARS OLD

THE ONE-DAY CHURCH BUILT TURNS 114 YEARS OLD

28-DEC-ENG 10

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-----------------------The 'One-Day Church' built in Ara, Bihar, is making headlines this Christmas. It has a connection to British King George V, who visited the area during the British Raj.

When it comes to old churches in Bihar, the Holy Savior Church in Ara is always mentioned. This church was built in 1911, marking a significant event. Although Patna's Padri Haveli is the oldest, built almost 200 years earlier, the history of the Holy Savior Church is quite interesting.

There was a time when Maharaja George V of the British era visited Bihar. He stopped in Bihar on his way from Kolkata to Delhi. A church was built for his prayers for just one day. But today, that same one-day church stands 114 years later and is considered a priceless heritage of Bihar.

Ara's 'The Holy Savior Church' holds great significance from a historical perspective. Special arrangements are made every year on Christmas Day at this church, which is more than 114 years old. Father Anil of 'The Holy Savior Church' explains that its history is 114 years old. It dates back to 1911 when Maharaja George V of the United Kingdom visited India during the British rule. The British built this church for his one-day prayer.

"George V was going from Kolkata to Delhi, and a church was built for his one-day prayer. George V wanted to pray to Lord Jesus. That's why this church was built for a single day's prayer. After George V left, British soldiers used to come here to pray. When the British left India, it was opened to ordinary Christians." - Anil, Priest, The Holy Savior Church, Ara

George V was the Maharaja of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms. He was the first British monarch belonging to the House of Windsor. He reigned from 1910 to 1936.  Experts say that during his visit to India, on December 12, 1911, he announced the shifting of India's capital from Kolkata to Delhi.

There is also a road named after him in Ara city of Bhojpur district, which is called 'KG Road' or 'George Road'. Pastor Anil says that the British laid a red carpet for King George V at this very spot. Since then, the place has been known as KG Road (King George Road).

"Today, this church is a source of faith for people. Many people come here to pray and make wishes."

The festival of Christmas will be celebrated with great enthusiasm in Ara this year as well. On December 25, 2025, on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Lord Jesus Christ, special programs will be organized at The Holy Savior Church located near Judge Kothi Chowk in Ramna Maidan of the city. The church premises are being decorated attractively for the occasion.

During this time, people of the Christian community will participate in religious rituals, prayer meetings, hymns, and cultural programs related to the birth of Lord Jesus Christ. A large number of people from the Christian community, along with people of other faiths, will be present at the event.