St. Stephen's Church in Ooty is the first Christian church built in the Nilgiri hills and a popular tourist attraction. It has a beautiful colonial Gothic architecture made entirely of wood sourced from Tipu Sultan's palace. After the British defeated Tipu Sultan, they established military and civilian settlements in the Nilgiri hills. The church was built in 1829 under the supervision of Captain J. J. Underwood, using timber transported from Mysore by elephant. Named after Governor Stephen Lushington, the church has stained glass windows and uses wooden hammers instead of bells.

1. St. Stephen’s Church
Ooty Tourist attraction

2. St. Stephen’s Church
The first Christian Church to be built in the Nilgiri hills is a
popular tourist attraction in Ooty. Tourists flock here to
witness the beautiful colonial architecture of this ancient
Gothic Church. The best thing about this architecture is
that it is being completely made of wood. It is been said
that this wood used to construct this Church was obtained
from the Palace of Tipu Sultan

3. The defeat of the Mysore Tiger, made sure the British had
complete control over the Nilgiri. After their victory over
Tipu Sultan, John Sullivan, requested British Parliament to
set up their Military base in here. It is only then British
colonists started to set up their base here.
Ooty St. Stephen’s Church

4. The need of Church raise after many colonists loved the
environment and decided to permanently make Nilgiri
their base. The Church was constructed under the
supervision of Captain J. J. Underwood. The foundation
stone for the church was laid on 23rd April 1829.
Ooty St. Stephen’s Church

5. It was decided that the materials to construct the Church
from the palace of the Emperor of Mysore, Tipu Sultan.
Under the order of Governor Lushington, East India
Company pulled down Tipu Sultan’s palace and the
available piece of Timber was transferred to Nilgiri.
Ooty St. Stephen’s Church

6. Ooty St. Stephen’s Church
These timbers were transferred by loading them on the
wagons and being pulled by tamed Elephants all the way
from Mysore till Ooty. These timbers were used in the
construction of the Church and also other public buildings
which include Grammar school.

7. Ooty St. Stephen’s Church
The Church was named after the governor Stephen
Lushington as he was the one who piloted this project.
The fascinating thing about the Church apart from the all
wooden construction is the glass tainted window depicting
the crucifixion of Jesus Christ among many others.

8. Ooty St. Stephen’s Church
The Church was consecrated by John Matthias, the then
Bishop of Calcutta on 5th December 1830. Other
important feature is V-shaped hammer like wooden
structures are used instead of a hollow bell. The hammers
are fastened by wires and lend a musical sound when the
wires are pulled from the floor. Every year Christmas,
New Year, Easter and the Harvest Festival are celebrated
in the Church with great enthusiasm.