Located in the Fatehgunj area of Baroda, the Saint James Church, often referred to as the White Church, is a significant historical landmark. Constructed in 1824, this church was originally known as the CNI White Church and was dedicated to the memory of James Sutherland Esquire, who served as the political commissioner of Gujarat during the reign of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad II. The church was designed by architect Sinkler Stevens in the Indo-Gothic style, a distinctive architectural approach that blends Indian and Gothic elements.
Architectural Style and Design
Surrounded by shady trees, the church’s design evokes a sense of Goa, featuring similar architecture with its characteristic buttresses, white-painted walls, and red terracotta tiled roofs. This architectural style reflects a common motif found in churches built in other regions, such as Borsad and Kheda, though the church in Kheda has unfortunately deteriorated over time.
The Solar Clock
An intriguing feature of the Saint James Church is its 170-year-old stone solar clock, located in the church’s cemetery. This clock uses the sun’s position and shadows to indicate the time accurately. Inscribed with the names and dates of those involved in its creation, the clock bears the names of James Sutherland and R Walles, with the year 1865 noted. It is believed that R Walles installed the clock in the cemetery to honor the 20th anniversary of James Sutherland’s death.
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