116-year-old St. Crispin’s church in Erandwane to be restored

The State Archaeological Department has initiated a significant restoration project aimed at reviving the Gothic architecture of the 116-year-old St. Crispin’s Church in Erandwane. Designated as a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the Church is among 12 key monuments in Pune slated for conservation efforts this year. These efforts also encompass 116-year-old St. Crispin’s Church in Erandwane landmarks like Chakan Fort and Mahatma Phule wada. 

According to Vilas Wahane, Assistant Director of the State Archaeological Department, ” The Church is regularly used for rituals but not many know of its rich history. Our goal is to restore it and also spread awareness. We conducted several demonstrations in the past month with NGOs and children on how a monument can be restored.”

Dating back to the British Era 1900, St. Crispin’s Church emerged during a period of widespread plague in the city. Established by the society of St. John the Evangelist Fathers and the convent of St. John the Virgin, the Church, along with a residential home, provided vital medical aid to orphans and children. The cornerstone of the Church was laid in 1905, and it was inaugurated on October 25, 1907, bearing the name of St. Crispin, a saint known for his benevolent deeds towards orphans. 

Vishram Bhave, the Church’s director, has secured archival photographs dating back to 1907, sourced from descendants of the British era architect Sir Niniam Comper, who designed the Church. The restoration work is expected to be finished by 2027 due to issues such as loose stones, water leakages and damaged stained glass windows, which have plagued the structure over time. The initiative aims to preserve the rich historical legacy of St. Crispin’s Church and ensure its enduring presence as a testament to Pune’s cultural heritage.