Punjab: Christmas at the historic Golaknath Memorial Church in Jalandhar is a double celebration this year. In addition to marking the birth of Jesus, the church’s congregation is rejoicing over the recent thwarting of a plot to sell the 129-year-old Protestant church.
“We’ve been coming here for decades to worship and the place is ours to keep,” said Angelina and Jerry, who had gathered with family for Christmas prayers. “With God’s help, the attempt to take away our place of worship has failed and we are here again to celebrate and look forward to the jubilee year in 2025.”
The church, tastefully decorated with fairy lights and an elaborate crib display, has been the centre of joyful celebrations. Carol singing began in the evening, followed by a cultural show, which included a traditional gidha performance celebrating Christ. Pastor Joel Masih said the Holy Mass would be held around midnight.
Renuka Bhatti, former officiating principal at HMV College, here, reflected on the significance of the church’s preservation. She said, “Had this church been sold, it wouldn’t just have been a loss of property but the heritage of this place. This Christmas, we have double the joy.”
The plot to sell the church was uncovered in September when two individuals attempted to sell the property for Rs 5 crore, with an initial token payment of Rs 5 lakh. The church’s 24-kanal land, located near Football Chowk, is valued at over Rs 200 crore. The accused, Ludhiana resident Jordan Masih and his associate Mary Wilson, were arrested shortly after the fraud was exposed; however, Masih was later released on medical bail.
Amit K Parkash, the secretary of the Church of North India, Diocese of Chandigarh, vowed to continue pursuing legal action. “We won’t rest until the accused are punished,” he stated.
The church holds deep historical significance, having been established in memory of Bengali Brahmin Golaknath Chatterjee, a key figure in the Indian Christian missionary movement of the 1830s.
With the church’s future secure, the Christmas celebrations carry added meaning for the faithful of Jalandhar.
