William Arthur Memorial Church, Gubbi, Gothic church in Gubbi, India.
William Arthur Memorial Church is a Gothic-style building with a striking turquoise blue exterior, located along National Highway 206 connecting Bangalore to Honavar in Karnataka. The structure displays classic Gothic features and serves as a notable landmark along this major roadway.
The church was built in 1904, replacing the earlier Gobbee Chapel after Methodist missionaries such as Thomas Hodson and John Jenkins began their work in the area from 1837 onward. This construction marked the establishment of a more permanent place for Christian worship.
The building reflects early Irish Methodist influence in the region and honors William Arthur, a missionary dedicated to learning the local language and serving communities. It stands as a place where faith and local culture intersected through dedicated missionary work.
The church is located roughly 80 kilometers from Bangalore and is easily accessible via National Highway 206 running through the area. Visitors will find the building open during regular visiting hours, and the grounds are straightforward to navigate for those stopping by.
Daniel, a former washerman known locally as Chickka, was the first Christian convert in Gubbi when he accepted the faith near the church gates in 1836. His conversion marked the beginning of the Christian community that would eventually grow at this site.
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