In Memory of Armenians in India

Easter 1918 at the Armenian Holy Nazareth Church, Calcutta

This month's blog post reproduces the detailed inventory taken of the Armenian Churches at Calcutta, Tangra and Chinsurah respectively in 1924. A previous inventory of the Church had been taken in 1891.

I have added biographical notes where possible, and these coupled with the inventory, will also give other Armenian family history researchers a look at some of the items that were presented to the church in the memory of others from the community.  The earliest annotated item is dated from 1750.  This is quite significant because the current Armenian Church registers in Calcutta only start at 1793.

The Armenian Holy Nazareth Church had the official foundation stone laid in 1707, although a wooden chapel existed even before that.  So why do the Church registers that record the baptisms, marriages and burials only start in 1793?

According to Joseph Emin in his book "The Life and Adventures of Joseph Emin" published in 1792 he says that:

"At one time there were three wardens of the Calcutta Church. A dispute arose between the three, one of them took away the records [registers] to his house and nothing previous to 1793 has survived this most unfortunate proceeding."

The action of the unknown warden prior to October 1793 means that today's Indian Armenian family history researchers and enthusiasts will be unable to search for their families in earlier years. This in turn makes my recordings of the Armenian graves in India even more important because a number of the tombstones will have dates of birth as well as death which include entries prior to 1793.  To view Armenian graves in India please look at this link. 

This is still an on-going project because I am in a process of getting the graves translated into English, and it is a very slow process, something that I have been undertaking for the last 8 years. There are still several hundred Armenians grave images to have translated into English.

No one else has attempted such an ambitious project.

The Properties and

Complete Inventory

As at 1924

Of the

Armenian Holy Church of Nazareth
Calcutta

Armenian Church of St. Gregory, Karya
(now known as ‘The Small Church, Park Circus’) Calcutta

Armenian Holy Church of the Resurrection

Tangra, Calcutta

Armenian St. John’s Church

Chinsurah

Compiled by A.P. Arakiel
1^st April 1924

Additional biographical footnotes and annotations

added by Liz Chater

Holy Church of Nazareth, Calcutta

[Letters or numbers in square brackets are footnotes, please go to the end of the blog post to read the releveant information - the hyperlink does not work from the link]

GOLD ITEMS
Serial No.	Quantity	Articles	In memory of	Year
1	1	Gold swinging incense burner	In memory of Mr. and Mrs. Phillip A. George	1856
2	1	Gold cross set with diamonds and 4 glass boxes containing relics	-	-
3	1	Chased gold chalice, set with diamonds, emeralds, rubies and other stones, with a plain paten An image of this item can be viewed here	In memory of Agha Petros[i], son of Arathoon	1778
4	1	Gold clasp for waist-band, a double-headed eagle surmounted by cross and crown set with emeralds, rubies and diamonds	Bought from Church funds	-
5	1	Small gold cross with nut and screw at base for fixing on tip of mitre, set with diamonds and rubies	Bought from Church funds	-
6	1	Copy of New Testament with gold covers	Marked I.M.Z[1].	-
7	1	Gold frame containing a picture of Virgin Mary with silver engraved back and edge	In memory of Pogose and Zemrooth, children of Sahak and Mariamkhanoom, wife of Hovannes	-
8	1	Small gold goblet plan	-	-
9	1	Small gold box set with diamonds for carrying Holy Sacrament	In memory of George Stephen Bagram[2]	-
10	1	Antique gold box inlaid with carved mother-of-pearl, ivory, coral etc.	Presented by Eliza A. Moses and his wife Mary[3]	1894
11	1	Gold lamp frame with star at top lined with copper and attached by 3 chains	In memory of Mr. Phillip A. George	1872
12	473	Small gold crosses for vows	-	-
13	1	Gold cased decanter with stopper	In memory of Ethel[4], youngest daughter of Carapiet and Mary M. Arathoon	1903
14	1	Gold bowl, plain	In memory of Mrs. Anna Catchick Avetoom, from her loving daughters Anna and Elizabeth[5]	1905
15	1	Gold cross, small size	J.M. Zorab[6]
16	1	Gold cross, small size	By Thomas A. Apcar	1870
17	1	Gold cross, medium size	By Thomas A. Apcar	1857
18	1	Gold cross, medium size  An image of this item can be viewed here	In memory of Catchik Thaddeus Avetoom[7], by Catchick Johannes and Elizabeth Avetoom, his children	1911
19	1	Gold cross, medium size	In memory of Zorab Malcolm Manukian	1847
20	1	Gold cross, plain and small  An image of this item can be viewed here	By Mrs. M.V. Apcar[ii]	1923
21	1	Very large size New Testament, bound in red velvet with a large gold plain cross	Presented by Mr. John Gregory	1905
22	1	Gold cross set with 4 rubies and one emerald	Presented by Arratoon Palian	1923
23	1	Gold cross set with 1 stone and with a long chain	-	-
24	1	Small gold cross set with 5 stones	-	-
25	1	Lot of broken crosses and 4 pieces gold, crescent shaped	-	-
26	1	Handle of a cross, gold	-	-
27	1	Gold ring set with 1 stone	-	-
28	1	Gold ring set with 1 stone	-	-
29	1	Gold monogram ring	-	-
30	1	Gold ring set with 1 stone	-	-
31	1	Gold ring set with 2 stones	-	-
32	1	Gold ring set with 1 stone	-	-
33	1	Gold ring set with rubies	-	-
34	1	Gold ring set with pearl	-	-
35	1	Gold ring set with diamonds and 1 large emerald	-	-
36	1	Gold ring set with 1 set	-	-
37	1	Gold ring set with 3 stones	-	-
38	1	Gold ring, plain	-	-
39	2	Gold rings, plain	-	-
40	1	Gold ring set with 1 stone	-	-
41	2	Small gold crosses set with stones	-	-
SILVER ITEMS
Serial No.	Quantity	Articles	In memory of	Year
1	1	Silver gilt cross with diamond cut border set with rough sapphires and rubies	In memory of Shamir Hovsepich Melik Beglarovian[8]	1883
2	1	Silver gilt box with chased sides and engraved lid for holding the Holy Sacrament	Marked E.A.	-
3	1	Small silver gilt cup containing Holy Oil	In memory of Shushan Joseph Ter Chater	1800
4	3	Large silver candlesticks with shaped triangular feet	-	-
5	12	Small candlesticks to match above	-	-
6	12	Silver candlesticks with plain beaded stem and feet	-	-
7	2	Silver candlesticks with bases and chased leaves on stem	In memory of Miss E.A. Demetrius	-
8	4	Silver candlesticks with chased fluted based and shaped stem	Mrs. M. Emin	1858
9	4	Silver candlesticks	By M.T.	1907
10	2	Silver chased splendours with plain silver stands	-	-
11	4	Silver chased splendours without stands	-	-
12	1	Solid silver gilt salver with 8 miniature goblets	-	-
13	2	Solid silver diamond cut bowls	-	-
14	1	Solid silver engraved bowl	In memory of Miss E.A. Demetrius	1884
15	1	Plain solid silver wash hand bowl with a solid silver ewer chased cutch pattern	-	-
16	1	Plain solid silver wash hand bowl with solid silver ewer chased cutch pattern as above but smaller	-	-
17	2	Solid silver incense burners, plain	-	-
18	3	Solid chased silver swinging incense burners with chains  An image of this item can be viewed here	-	-
19	2	Diamond cut solid silver sockets for large candles	In memory of Aga Joseph Eminiii	-
20	1	Silver gilt chased incense holder with silver spoon  An image of this item can be viewed here	In memory of Mr. and Mrs. Philip A. George	1856
21	2	Silver chased incense holders	-	-
22	2	Solid silver hanging lamps with covers and chains	-	-
23	1	Solid silver chased frame and cover for holding lamp	-	-
24	1	Silver gilt flagon with stopper complete	Mrs. Mary Eliza Moses3 above	1878
25	2	Solid silver book rests in the shape of a Lyre	In memory of Hosannah Jacob Johannes	1837
26	1	Silver chalice with paten  An image of this item can be viewed here	In memory of Mary and Shamir[8], the wife and son of Joseph David Melik Beglarovian	-
27	1	Silver Chalice with paten	In memory of John Joseph Mylne, born 1884 and drowned in river Pudda 1900	1900
28	1	Silver Chalice with paten	By Catherine G. Bagram	-
29	1	Silver Chalice with paten	-	-
30	1	Silver Chalice with paten	In memory of Hovanness, son of Arathoon of Khorom	1750
31	1	Silver cross with chased figures on each side, set with a cross of thick glass containing relics of St. George	Presented by Johannes Agha Minas	1863
32	1	Large silver casket chased and engraved on top and sides	In memory of Mariamkhanoom, daughter of Juntloomentz Catchick Arakiel, for St. “Nicholas” Arm	-
33	1	Large silver bowl for washing of the feet	Bought by the church	1870
34	1	Large solid silver Baptismal bowl with massive silver scroll, handle forming  3 branches for candles	In memory of Sogom[9], daughter of Nicholas S. Malchas, born 1837, died 1851	1851
35	1	Solid silver gilt Monstrance, chased in high relief with flowers	In memory of Carapiet, son of Petros	1813
36	5	Large silver crosses with ball at bases	-	-
37	1	Very large silver cross with ball and socket at bottom with chased figures lined with wood	-	-
38	1	Silver gilt chased mitre with Vakas	In memory of Isagooli, son of Petros of Hamadan	1797
39	1	Solid silver Belt clasp	By Ripsimeh T.A. Apcar[10]	1857
40	1	Solid silver Belt clasp	In memory of Elizabeth Abraham, daughter-in-law of Aga Hovanness, the son of Khoja Minas	-
41	1	Solid silver Belt clasp	By J.S.G.	-
42	1	Solid silver Belt clasp	-	-
43	1	Solid silver Belt clasp	In memory of Emin Joseph[iii]	1809
44	1	Mother-of-pearl antique seal	Of Chater George Ter Simon	1766
45	1	Mother-of-pearl antique seal	Of George Chater George	1793
46	1	Mother-o’-pearl antique seal	Of Chater George	1765
47	4	Silver pencil cases	-	-
48	2	Silver collection bags lined with blue velvet with silver handles	In memory of Mrs. Gabriel George, 1820.  Repaired by her grandson P.A. George, 1870	1820
49	1	Large silver stand for Holy Bible with 3 crosses chased on it	In memory of Mr. Arathoon 1817. Repaired at the expense of the Church by A. Stephen & Co., 1902.	1817
50	2	Silver octagon lanterns with twisted fluted poles and pierced cross in circle at top	By J.S.	-
51	1	Silver Old and New Testaments bookstand	In memory of Carapiet Jacob Johanness	1818
52	1	Silver stand for the above (item 51)	In memory of Carapiet Jacob Johanness	1818
53	1	Silver mounted New Testament on above bookstand	In memory of Hosannah David, died at Mussoorie 1898	1898
54	1	Oil painting of the crucifixion on wood with silver edges	-	-
55	1	Old small crucifix, copper, silver plated and gilt	-	-
56	2	Large silver chased branches with sockets for candles for reading desk	In memory of Khatoon, the daughter of Agazar korose, by her husband Abraham Pogose	1798
57	2	Medium size silver chased branches for candles at reading desk	In memory of Simon, by his father Stephen Simon Stephen[11]	1870
58	2	Small size silver branches for candles at reading desk	In memory of Hosannah Mirza Stephen Shakoori	1817
59	1	Large massive solid silver chandelier with 18 branches for candles An image of this item can be viewed here	In memory of Khatoon, the daughter of Agazar Koros, by her husband Abraham Pogose	1798
60	1	Small silver chandelier with 6 branches for candles  An image of this item can be viewed here	In memory of Talethy, the wife of Arathoon	1781
61	1	Small silver chandelier with 6 branches for candles An image of this item can be viewed here	Presented to the church	1800
62	2	Small silver chandelier with 6 branches for candles	In memory of Mariam, the wife of Martyrose	1782
63	1	Small silver chandelier with 6 branches for candles	In memory of Bagram, the son of Sookias	1785
64	1	Small silver chandelier with 6 branches for candles	In memory of Merini and her two sons Baboom and Bartholomew, the wife and children of Chater Baboom	1810
65	2	1 mitre and 1 vakas silver parcel, gilt on red velvet and chased with panels	Made at Constantinople at the expense of the Church	-
66	1	Large, oval, handsome silver salver with elaborate chased trellised vine leaf border and cherub heads	Presented to A.C. John by the community of the Calcutta Greek Church, 1874, presented by his widow[12] to the Armenian Church	1891
67	1	Silver cover for Holy Bible, bound in red leather	-	-
68	1	Silver Bible cover, large	-	-
69	1	Silver Bible cover, small	Presented by Mrs. Lizzie Thaddeus[13]	-
70	1	Silver Bible cover, small	Presented by Anna M. Manuk	1901
71	1	Silver Bible cover, small  An image of this item can be viewed here	-	-
72	1	Silver Bible cover, small	-	-
73	1	Silver cover for Holy Bible bound in red velvet (old and damaged)	-	-
74	2	Large solid silver salvers, plain	-	-
75	1	Large solid silver salver, plain	In memory of Gregory Thorose[14]	1917
76	1	Large solid silver salvers, plain	In memory of Marieh, wife of Hovannes Ter Aviet	1804
77	2	Medium size solid silver salvers	-	-
78	1	Silver cross	Presented by Mr. and Mrs. M.V. Apcarii	1912
79	1	Silver gilt cross	Presented by Mr. M.A. Manuk	1923
80	1	Silver gilt cross	Presented by Mrs. M. Gregory, to the memory of her mother Anna Apcar[15], born 1851, died 1913	1913
81	1	Silver cross	In memory of Col. Jacob Petros of Gwalior and his wife	1840
82	1	Silver cross	In memory of Col. Jacob Petros of Gwalior[iv] [16]	1837
83	2	Silver crosses engraved	-	-
84	2	Silver crosses small	-	-
85	2	Silver gilt crosses set with stones	-	-
86	2	Silver crosses, small	-	-
87	1	Silver cross, plain	-	-
88	1	Silver square salver	In memory of Joseph Eminiii	-
89	1	Silver mitre cross	In memory of Mariamkhanoom Chater	-
90	2	Small silver candlesticks	Presented by Mrs. S.A. Lucas	1915
91	2	Silver candlesticks, plain	-	-
92	1	Silver candlesticks, engraved	-	-
93	2	Silver candlesticks, very small	-	-
94	1	Silver box containing 1 silver goblet, 2 candlesticks, 1 bottle for carrying Holy Sacrament	Presented by Eliza A. Moses and his wife Mary3	1894
95	1	Large silver ewer	In memory of all those who are buried in the church	1895
96	1	Small silver bowl	Presented by Mrs. Begoom Johannes in memory of her husband	1825
97	1	Silver and gilt saint’s arm containing relics of Virgin Ripsimeh	Presented by Mrs. Begoom Johannes in memory of her husband	1825
98	1	Silver and gilt saint’s arm containing relics of St. John	Presented by Basil, S.A. Catchick	-
99	1	Silver and gilt saint’s arm containing relicts of St. Stephen and St. Nicholas	Made by son of Basil	-
100	1	Silver and gilt Saint’s arm containing relics of St. Gregory	-	-
101	1	Silver saints’ arm containing relics	-	-
102	1	Silver saints’ arm containing relics	-	-
103	1	Silver saints’ arm containing relics	-	-
104	1	Silver saints’ arm containing relics	-	-
105	1	Silver saints’ arm containing relics	-	-
106	1	Silver goblet	Presented by C.M. Shircore
107	1	Large brass lectern with cross on top	Presented by Mr. Ruben A. Creet in memory of his father Arratoon Hyrapiet Creet[17]	1924
108	1	Solid silver plate chased and engraved on above Lectern	Presented by Mrs. Mary Arratoon Hyrapiet Creet in memory of her husband16	1919
109	1	Small silver box, gilt	By Aveit Ter Thaddeus	1851
110	1	Crosier in 4 pieces, top piece set with stones	Belonging to His Grace Sahak Ayvadian, Prelate of Persia and India	1922
111	4	Silver crosses, plain	-	-
112	4	Silver mitre crosses	-	-
113	2	Silver flower vases	In memory of Mrs. Anna C. Avetoom, from her daughter Elizabeth	1911
114	2	Silver flower vases	Presented by Mr. David M. Jacob[18]	1918
115	1	Silver plated bowl	Presented by Annie Eliazar Nahapiet	-
116	6	Silver flower vases	-	-
117	2	Silver flower vases	-	-
118	2	Silver flower vases	-	-
119	1	Silver flower vase	-	-
120	6	Silver flower vases	-	-
121	2	Silver flower vases	-	-
122	2	Silver flower vases	-	-
123	2	Silver flower vases	-	-
124	2	Silver flower vases	-	-
125	1	Silver flower vase	-	-
126	1	Silver flower vase	-	-
127	2	Silver flower vases	-	-
128	2	Silver flower vases	-	-
129	2	Silver flower vases	-	-
130	6	Silver flower vases different shapes	-	-
131	1	Pair belt clasps, silver	Presented by Martyrose and Catherine Arathoon	1894
132	115	Silver crosses for vows	-	-
133	6	Silver goblets, gilt	-	-
134	6	Pairs buckles (4 silver, 2 brass)	-	-
135	1	Silver belt clasp, single	-	-
136	1	Silver cross set with stones and a glass case containing relics	-	-
137	1	Silver cross set with stones and containing relics	-	-
138	1	Silver cross set with glass case with relics	-	-
139	1	Silver cross set with stones and glass case containing relics	-	-
140	1	Silver cross set with rubies and containing relics	-	-
141	1	Silver cross set broken and containing relics	-	-
142	1	Silver and gilt cross with 4 glass cases and another small cross with chain set with stones and containing relics	Presented by Ter Stepannos, son of Alexander	-
143	1	Silver box for carrying Holy Sacrament	Marked Armenian Church, Calcutta	-
144	1	Silver and gilt box for carrying Holy Sacrament	-	-
145	1	Small silver box for Communion	-	-
146	1	Small silver bowl, gilt inside	-	-
147	1	Silver cross set with white stones, made in Russia	-	-
148	1	Bag containing broken silverware	-	-
149	1	Heart shaped silver box and chain containing relics	-	-
150	2	Wooden crosses with silver edges	-=	-
151	1	Large incense burner with tray and branches for candles	-	-
152	1	Silver covered 3 tiered table with Communion	-	-
153	1	Silver cross set with stone in centre	-	-
154	1	Silver cross with glass case in centre containing relics	In memory of Petros and his father Michael and his wife Mary, presented through Stepanos Vardapet by Jacob	1754
155	1	Silver chalice with paten	Presented by Ishkhan M. Zorab1	1854
156	1	Rose water sprinkler, silver	-	-
157	1	Rose water sprinkler, silver	-	-
158	2	Candlesticks, silver	-	-
159	1	Silver bowl, plain	-	-
160	1	Silver bowl	Presented by John M. Apcar[19]	1907
161	1	Silver belt and buckle	-	-
162	1	Silver belt clasp	-	-
163	4	Silver mitre crosses	-	-
164	1	Silver salver, small	-	-
165	1	Silver soup ladle	-	-
166	1	Silver server	-	-
167	3	Silver spoons	-	-
169	2	Copper chandeliers for candles	-	-
169	22	Copper branches for candles	-	-
170	6	Plated candlesticks	-	-
171	2	Large brass candlesticks	-	-
172	2	Small candlesticks	-	-
173	3	Large brass triangular shape base candlesticks	-	-
174	3	Copper candlesticks	-	-
175	1	Copper circular basin (Thast)	-	-
176	2	Brass branches for candles	-	-
177	2	Brass branches for candles	-	-
178	1	Silver small box for carrying Communion	-	-
179	1	Large kettle, copper	-	-
180	1	Water jar, copper	-	-
181	6	Large curtains	-	-
182	4	Medium size curtains	-	-
183	8	Small size curtains	-	-
184	12	Purdahs	-	-
185	23	Old shoorjars or cloaks	-	-
186	7	Old aprons	-	-
187	5	Complete sets of silk vestments	-	-
188	3	Complete sets of vestments, rich embroidery and valuable silk	-	-
189	6	Mitres	-	-
190	2	Embroidered table covers	-	-
191	8	Pieces vestments, very old	Presented by Mr. A. Stephen and J.C. Galstaun[20]	1922
192	1	Silver frame and painting of Virgin Mary	-	-
193	1	Silver candlestick	-	-
194	3	Silver clasps for church peons	-	-
OIL PAINTINGS
Serial No.	Quantity	Articles	In memory of	Year
1	1	Altar-piece in 3 parts, representing the Holy Trinity, the “Last Supper” and the Enshrouding of Our Lord  An image of this item can be viewed here	In memory of Carapiet and Hosannah Balthazar by their children[21]	1902
2	1	Old and damaged alter-piece	-	-
3	1	Oil painting of the Crucifix on wood	-	-
4	2	Oil paintings representing the Saviour	-	-
5	1	Alter-piece, representing the Crucifix	In memory of Jacob, son of Annania, to the Church of St. Sarkies in the town of Yawith in Armenia	1 October 1809
6	1	Altar-piece, representing the Saviour with his hands tied up	Marked Ecce Home	-
7	1	Oil painting on copper, representing Virgin Mary	In memory of Pogose and Zemrooth, children of Sahak and Mariam Khanoon, wife of Hovannes	1808
8	1	Oil painting on copper, presenting the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary	-	-
9	1	Oil painting representing the Saviour with his hands tied up	-	-
10	2	Oil paintings of Virgin Mary	-	-
11	1	Oil painting on copper, representing the Baptism of Christ	-	-
12	1	Oil painting on glass, representing the Birth of Christ	-	-
13	2	Small oil painting on wood, representing the Crucifix	-	-
14	1	Large oil painting of Virgin Mary and Christ	-	-
15	1	Large oil painting, representing the coat of arms of Armenia and the pictures of Haik, Aram, Tigran and Great and Terdat the Great	-	-
16	1	Painting of his Grace Sahak Ayvadian, Archbishop of Persia and India	Presented by Mr. Mackertich	1909
17	2	Small oil paintings of His Holiness Neirses Catholicos	-	-
18	1	Oil painting of Mr. Aganoor, a teacher of the Armenian College	-	-
19	1	Oil painting of Mr. Arathoon Apcar	Presented by the Hon. J.G. Apcar	1923
20	1	Oil painting of Mr. Gregory Apcar[22]	Presented by the Hon. J.G. Apcar[23]	1923
21	1	(Roll of paper) manuscript of different prayers	-	-
CLOCKS
Serial No.	Quantity	Articles	In memory of	Year
1	1	Tower clock with 1 dial, brought out from England at the expense of Catchick Arakiel22 in the year 1792.  Repaired and 2 more dials added during the Wardenship of Johanness Avdall[24] in 1838, by L. Grey, Calcutta. An image of this item can be viewed here	Clocks made by Alexander Hare, 1791	1792
2	1	Large clock originally belonging to Chinsurah Church, made in Amsterdam by I.M. Juntis	-	-
3	1	Round clock by Cooke and Kelvey	-	-
4	1	Round clock by Bennett	-	-
5	1	Large clock	Presented by Mr. J. Boisogomoff[25]	1923
6	3	Ordinary clocks	-	-
7	1	Church bell made in 1752	-	-
8	1	Church bell made in 1757	-	-
9	3	Church bells without dates	-	-
FURNITURES
Serial No.	Quantity	Articles	In memory of	Year
1	1	Teak wood table	In memory of Mrs. Mary Thaddeus C. Avetoom, by her son Avetoom[26]	1900
2	1	Teak wood small table	Presented by Arathoon Thomas Apcar[27]	1904
3	2	Clay slabs representing coat of arms of Armenia	-	-
4	254	Armed chairs	-	-
5	85	Armless chairs	-	-
6	1	Bishop’s chair	-	-
7	1	Telescopic table	-	-
8	3	Round tables	-	-
9	5	Marble top tables	-	-
10	4	Tea poys	-	-
11	8	Bedsteads	-	-
12	1	Iron bedstead	-	-
13	14	Almirahs	-	-
14	5	Glass almirahs	-	-
15	1	Book shelf	-	-
16	8	Clothes horses	-	-
17	6	Linen baskets	-	-
18	1	Typewriter – English	-	-
19	1	Press copying press – Armenian	-	-
20	14	Benches	-	-
21	5	Wooden partitions	-	-
22	8	Wooden half doors	-	-
23	6	Writing tables	-	-
24	3	Toilet tables	-	-
25	1	Meatsafe almirah	-	-
26	4	Side boards	-	-
27	1	Invalid couch	-	-
28	5	Reading desks	-	-
29	250	Foot rests	-	-
30	4	Easy chairs	-	-
31	73	Photos and pictures	-	-
32	1	Stationery cabinet	-	-
33	4	Maps	-	-
34	4	Brass jardinières	-	-
35	36	Electric fans	Presented by Mr. J. Boisogomoff21	1902
36	3	Electric table fans	-	-
37	3	Large carpets	-	-
38	19	Small carpets	-	-
39	3	Iron safes	-	-
40	2	Wooden collection boxes	-	-
41	3	Large wooden boxes	-	-
42	7	Small tables	-	-
43	1	Secretariat table	-	-
44	11	Electric chandeliers	-	-
45	1	Large framed picture, representing the “Last  Supper”	-	-
46	1	Large hanging lamp	-	-
47	5	Street lamps	-	-
48	1	Motor car	-	-

St. John’s Church Chinsurah

Serial No.	Quantity	Articles	In memory of	Year
1	1	Large baptismal silver bowl	Presented by Mr. and Mrs. M.V. Apcarii in memory of their son Arathoon	1905
2	1	Solid silver hanging lamp
3	1	Solid silver book stand
4	2	New Testaments with silver crosses on them
5	1	Large silver Old and New Testament book stand	In memory of Hovanjan Eliza	1825
6	1	Silver cross plain	For the use of St. John’s Church	1804
7	1	Silver cross plain	Presented by Sarah Johanness	1899
8	1	Silver cross, gilt	In memory of Mariam[28], the wife of Joseph David Melik Baglarovian	1883
9	1	Silver cross	Presented by Mr. and Mrs. J.S. Abraham[29]	1921
10	1	Silver cross	Presented by Emeli C.J. Avetoom	1901
11	2	Diamond cut solid silver sockets for large candles	In memory of Agha Joseph Eminiii
12	1	Silver belt clasp	Presented by Sarah S.A. Apcar, in memory of Mrs. Sarkies A. Apcar	1802
13	1	Silver Monstrance	Presented by Arathoon G. Gregory[30] in memory of his parents	1847
14	1	Bookstand in the shape of a Lyre An image of this item can be viewed here	Presented by Sahak George Jacob in memory of his parents	1847
15	1	Diamond cut silver bowl	In memory of Carapiet Jacob Johanness	1817
16	1	Silver belt clasp	In memory of Agha Catchick husband of Mariamkhanoom	1797
17	1	Saint’s gilt arm containing relics of St. John An image of this item can be viewed here
18	1	Silver incense holder
19	1	Chased solid silver swinging incense burner
20	2	Solid silver chandeliers each with 5 branches for candles	Presented in 1805	1805
21	1	Chased silver chalice with paten	In memory of Anna G.M. Shircore[31], the only daughter of Carapiet Jacob	1840
22	1	Chased silver chalice with paten	In memory of Vartanness, by his wife Woskoom	1781
23	1	Chased silver chalice with paten	In memory of Gregory A. Avetick	1846
24	1	Chased silver chalice with paten	In memory of George, son of Ter Simon	1781
25	1	Silver cross, plain
26	4	Small candlesticks, silver
27	1	Silver bowl
28	1	Silver bowl
29	1	Silver covered New Testament
30	1	Solid silver wash hand bowl and ewer	In memory of Ter Hovanness Catchick Arakiel[32]	1834
31	1	Wooden box for St. John’s arm and relics	Presented by Johanness Jacob	1817
32	1	Large alter-piece (painting) representing “The Crucifix” and The Holy Trinity
33	1	Painting of Virgin Mary on glass
34	1	New Testament with silver cross on it
35	1	Picture “The Crucifix”
36	1	Painting on glass representing the descent of the body of Christ from the cross
37	1	Wooden cross painted the Crucifix
38	6	Silver vow crosses
39	1	Gold vow cross
40	1	Silver salver
41	12	Silver candlesticks
42	1	Silver hanging lamp frame	In memory of Vardini Jordan	1913
43	1	Large chandelier for 10 candles
44	3	Large chandeliers for 6 candles
45	12	Brass branches for 2 candles
46	1	Large hanging lamp
47	3	Wooden reading desks with 3 pairs brass candlesticks
48	1	Small wooden reading desk
49	12	Brass candlesticks
50	12	Plated candlesticks
51	6	Large brass candlesticks
52	12	Smaller brass candlesticks
53	3	Very large brass candlesticks
54	5	Small candlesticks
55	2	Street lamps
56	4	Large china vases
57	12	Large china vases
58	8	Metal vases
59	3	Almirahs
60	3	Large carpets
61	1	Small carpet
62	3	Large purdahs
63	10	small purdahs
64	30	Altar cloths, table covers, vestments etc.
65	1	Telescopic table
66	1	Clock
67	1	Writing table
68	41	Armed chairs
69	49	Chairs armless
70	14	Square tables
71	1	Brass gong
72	4	Beds
73	1	Linen basket
74	2	Clothes horses
75	3	Tea poys
76	3	Benches
77	2	Whatnots
78	1	Gown stand
79	1	Toilet table
80	2	Kitchen tables
81	60	Foot rests
82	2	Old durries
83	4	Church bells

Karya Church of St. Gregory, Calcutta (aka The Small Church)

Serial No.	Quantity	Articles	In memory of	Year
1	1	Altar-piece oil painting
2	1	Oil painting on glass, representing the Crucifix	Presented to Ter Hovsep Stephen	1796
3	1	Small oil painting on copper, representing the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary	-	-
4	48	Armed chairs	-	-
5	48	Foot stools	-	-
6	1	Large curtain	-	-
7	2	Small curtains	-	-
8	2	Coffin tables	-	-
9	2	Ladders	-	-
10	1	Wooden partition	-	-
11	3	Large candlesticks, copper	-	-
12	2	Glass chandeliers	-	-
13	23	Copper candlesticks	-	-
14	6	Glass candlesticks	-	-

Tangra Holy Church of the Resurrection, Calcutta

Serial No.	Quantity	Articles	In memory of	Year
1	1	Altar-piece oil painting	In memory of Hovanjan Petros[33]	1786
2	1	Silver cross	In memory of Pirmargar, son of Mirjan	1730
3	3	Glass chandeliers	-	-
4	2	Glass chandeliers small	-	-
5	12	Copper candlesticks	-	-
6	2	Large curtains	-	-
7	8	Small curtains	-	-
8	1	Reading desk	-	-
9	12	Benches	-	-
10	2	Coffin tables and covers	-	-
11	2	Foot rests	-	-
12	2	Durries	-	-
13	5	Large pictures	-	-
14	1	Teakwood table	-	-
15	6	Armless chairs	-	-
16	1	Dressing table	-	-
17	1	Bedstead	-	-
18	2	Church bells	-	-

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[1] I believe this is quite likely to be Mrs. Ishkhan Manuk ZORAB. The ZORAB family were an extremely important Armenian family of Calcutta, whose descendants are now spread around the world; from New Zealand to Southampton in the UK.

[2] I believe this is Stephen George Bagram, a major benefactor of the Armenian Church, Calcutta – see his grave

[3] I believe this is Eliaz Owen Moses who was an attorney to the Armenian community of Calcutta

[4] Ethel died on the 30^th June 1902 aged 18 years 1 month and 1 day – see her grave

[5] The AVETOOM family are connected to many Armenian families of Calcutta: Agabeg, Galstaun, Apcar, Moses, Thaddeus, Arathoon, Nahapiet, to name but a few.

[6] I believe this to be Hovhannes Manuk Zorab of the Bengal Medical Service – see his grave

[7] Catchick Thaddeus Avetoom died 17 April 1906 – see his grave

[8] Shamir Beglar died 25 August 1833 in Chinsurah – see his grave

[9] Miss Sogom Malchus, born 29 November 1837, died 3 June 1851. Father: Nicholas Isaac Malchus, mother: Teki Owen

[10] Mrs. Hripsima Matilda APCAR nee AVEDICK – see grave.

[11] Stephen Simon STEPHEN married Katrina GREGORY at the Armenian Church Calcutta on 12 November 1867, the loss of their infant child Simon was a terrible blow to the family.  Katrina GREGORY’s family was large, and today they live around the world; New Zealand, Florida, various parts of the UK, Australia, USA to name but a few.

[12] Aristide C. JOHN was Greek by birth. His wife Sarah nee PAUL was the daughter of the extremely and highly regarded Armenian attorney, Peter Jacob PAUL who was the trusted legal adviser of the Armenian Church Calcutta for over two decades and who offered all legal advise and guidance to them without any charge. The PAUL family are intrinsically linked with the GREEKS of Calcutta, as one of Sarah’s brothers, Sir Gregory Charles PAUL also served the Armenian Community.  It is claimed that, although he served as a loyal and dedicated member of the Armenian community for over 30 years during which time, like his father, all his legal advice was given free of any fees to the Armenian Church, upon Sir Gregory’s death the Armenian Church committee refused to allow him to be buried in the grounds of the Armenian Church Calcutta and he was therefore subsequently buried in the Greek Church cemetery.

[13] Lizzi Thaddeus nee ARRAKIEL was married to Thaddeus Mesrope THADDEUS – see graves.  Lizzie was a niece to Sir Catchick Paul Chater, and her ancestry can be traced as far back as 1650 to the Minas family dynasty of New Julfa.

[14]Gregory Tharverdy Thorose – see grave

[15] Anna – see grave.  She was married to Alexander APCAR. They had 4 daughters; this silver cross was presented by her daughter Minnie who was married to John Marchmont GREGORY.

[16] Descendants exist today through his sons David PETRUS and Owen Jacob PETRUS.

[17] Arratoon Hyrapiet CREET was married to Merghatoon (Mary) B. Hovakim her family was very large with many connections to almost every major Armenian family of Calcutta: the Lucas, Malcolm, Michael, Gasper, Johannes, Zeytoon, Mesrope, Zorab, Aganoor, George, Martin, Emin, Arathoon, Chater, Joseph, Marcar, Hyrapiet, Thaddeus, Avetoom, Jordan, Sarkies, Carapiet, Basil, Galestin and more.  Arratoon Hyrapiet CREET’S brother Peter Hyrapiet CREET was a major contributor and benefactor of the Armenian College of Calcutta, famously donating the swimming pool, amongst other things. He died at Trieste in northern Italy and is buried at the Armenian Roman Catholic Mekhitharist Monastary on the island of San Lazarro near Venice opposite the tomb of Abbot Mekhithar the Founder of the Mekhitharist Order.

[18] David Minas JACOB, born 9^th October 1900

[19] John Minas APCAR was the son of Minas Vertannes APCAR.  See endnoteii

[20] Both Arratoon Stephen and Johannes Carapiet Galstaun were major contributors and benefactors of the Armenian Church of Calcutta.  See their graves.

[21] Known as ‘Car’ Balthazar, he was a merchant and auctioneer but became a jeweller to King Theebaw who reigned in Burma from 1878 to 1885. The King gave Car’s wife Hosannah a valuable necklace, which became a family heirloom until it was stolen in London.  Hosannah was a half sister to Lizzie Thaddeus nee ARRAKIEL mentioned above.

[22] Gregory APCAR died 23^rd June 1847 – see grave.  Gregory Apcar stated in a Deed of Trust dated 25th March 1913, that his firm, Apcar & Co., had for many years provided certain yearly sums for support and maintenance of relatives and descendants of his grandfather and grandmother living in Julpha and the neighbourhood and that Gregory Apcar was desirous of continuing such provision.  Gregory’s first wife, Khatchkhathoon SARKIES was the daughter of Johannes Ter SARKIES and Elizabeth ARRAKIEL, whose own father Catchick ARRAKIEL had donated the clock in the tower of the Armenian Church, Calcutta.

[23] Johannes G. APCAR was a son of Gregory Apcar and brother to Arathoon APCAR.

[24] Johannes Avdall was headmaster of the Armenian College Calcutta for 45 years.  He married Tekli Sarkies on the 11^th December 1830 at the Armenian Church. Tekli’s father was Johannes Ter Sarkies and her mother was Elizabeth Arrakiel. Elizabeth Arrakiel’s father was Catchick Arrakiel who donated the clock still position in the tower of the Armenian Church today.

[25] Buried at Tangra, but his grave is badly worn and cannot be read.  However, On a black marble tablet fixed on the outside south wall of the church, it says "This tablet is erected as a mark of remembrance of the kindness of Mr. John Boisogomoff of Tiflis in furnishing the church and the 1st and 2nd flats of the Parochial buildings with 39 electric fans and wiring for installation on the 27th January 1902"

[26] A number of Armenians worked at the Calcutta Stock Exchange, several of whom were members of the Calcutta Stock Exchange Association.

Major T.C. Avetoom, was the first Armenian to establish his own firm at the Calcutta Stock Exchange.  Avetoon worked as an exchange broker before the formation of the Calcutta Stock Exchange Association, of which he became a founder member in 1908 and later a committee member.  In 1969 his portrait was hanging in the Stock Exchange Hall.

Avetoom was educated at La Martiniere College, joined the Calcutta Volunteer Rifle Corps, attained the rank of major and was appointed the commandant of his corps.  He was an exceptionally good shot and when a captain won two medals.  One was presented to him by members of the "B" Company Challenge Shield Team and the other by the First Battalion of the Calcutta Volunteer Rifle Corps.  When he was a major he was presented with a marble clock (dated 1892) by the "4" Inter-Company Contingent.

[27] He was part of the APCAR clan, a barrister.  He died 20 March 1905.

[28] Mariam was Joseph’s first wife. She died 25 November 1878 – see grave.

[29] Mary Abraham’s family (nee Sarkies) was from Chinsurah, her father Abraham Joseph Sarkies is buried there – see grave.

[30] Arathoon Galistan GREGORY born 28 April 1804 Smyrna, Turkey, died 26 December 1867 Calcutta – see grave.

[31] Anna married George Manuk SHIRCORE 12^th June 1838 at the Armenian Church Calcutta. They had 8 children, Anna died 14^th  March 1851 a month after giving birth to a daughter.  Anna’s father was Carapiet Jacob and her mother Taghui Arrakiel, was the daughter of Moses Catchick Arrakiel whose own father was Catchick Arrakiel who famously donated the clock to the Armenian Church at Calcutta.

[32] Reverend (Ter) Johanness Catchick Arrakiel had been ordained a priest for the service of the Armenian church of St. John the Baptist, at Chinsurah at the special desire of his pious mother, died at Calcutta on the 29th October 1832 aged 52 years, and was buried inside the church of Nazareth where both his parents and elder brother are interred, in the north side.

[33] From the Inventory of his Will and possessions it is estimated that he died between 1786-1797

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[i] A successful merchant of Calcutta, he was the head of the Armenian community there and was held in high esteem by his compatriots for his benevolence and his charities.

He built the beautiful Armenian Church at Saidabad near Murshidabad in 1758, entirely at his own expense in memory of his parents.  There was a brass tablet on the north wall of the Armenian church at Saidabad, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, with an inscription in Armenian, from which it appears that the church was built by Khojah Petrus to the memory of his revered parents, Arathoon his father and Hosannah his mother, Dastagool his wife, Khojah Gregory (Gorgin Khan) and Agah Barsegh (Basil) his brothers and all his blood relations, whether dead of alive.  This tablet is now in the picture gallery of the Armenian Church at Calcutta.

In addition, he repaired and embellished the Armenian Church of Calcutta in 1763, and built two additional altars inside the church, one of the right side of the main altar, in memory of his brother Gorgin Khan, who was assassinated near Monghyr, and the other on the left side to commemorate his memory.  Joseph Emin, an Armenian of Calcutta, in his “Life and Adventures” book printed in 1792 in London, calls Khojah Petrus “the early God of the Calcutta Armenians” which clearly shows the high esteem in which he was held by his countrymen.” Source: Armenians in India by Mesrovb Seth P.345.

[ii] Mrs. M.V. Apcar’s name was Louise nee Malchus.  Her husband, Minas Vertannes Apcar came to India from Persia in 1876 at 14 years of age with only the clothes he was wearing. Funded by his second cousin Alexander "Fat Alec" Apcar, fourteen years his senior, he was sent to St Xaviers (for 6 months) and the Armenian Colleges (for 1 year) to study, and equipped himself with some business skills. He entered the firm of Burn & Co, but after a short while joined Apcar and Demetrius. He left to set up his own business holding jute agencies, then becoming successively a Zemindar and Colliery owner.

Apcar was interested in various concerns.  He owned jute presses at Ghaora hat, Dewan hat, Baneswar, Balarumpur, Kakinee, Haitibanda, Baura, Gauripur, and Dubri.  He also owned a colliery at Joyrampore (Jharia Field), was a agent for the Seang Line of Steamers plying between India and Chinese ports, and owner of several houses in Calcutta. He was a member of the Bengal chamber of Commerce, the Legislative Council and the Corporation, and a warden of the Armenian Church [in Calcutta]. Source: Liz Chater research and Armenian Settlements in India by Annie Basil P.141.

[iii] Joseph Emin was born in Hamadan, Iran, in 1726, and came to India for his education.

Being intensely patriotic, he set himself the task of endeavouring to rescue his countrymen from the yoke of anti-Christian oppressors. With hardly any resources at his disposal, he went to England for a course of military training, which he succeeded in obtaining through the generosity and help of the English aristocracy, with whom he became acquainted and whose sympathy for the cause of his compatriots he was able to enlist.

After succeeding in his objective, he set out for Armenia via Turkey and Georgia, his aim being the organization of a joint force of Armenians and Georgians for attainment of freedom. Unfortunately, he met with very serious opposition everywhere and, after long struggles and extensive travels lasting over two decades, he was compelled to abandon his plan and return to India. He passed away in Calcutta in 1809 and was laid to rest in the churchyard of the Armenian Holy Church of Nazareth.

WhiIe he was not able to render material help to his community in Calcutta, his zeal, enthusiasm and great patriotism are unforgettable, and his undaunted spirit and unceasing efforts stand as a praiseworthy example for his Nationals.

At the suggestion of his friends, Joseph Emin wrote his Memoirs in English, translations of which, in Armenian, are expected to be published in America shortly. A book entitled "The Life and Adventures of Joseph Emin", containing his memoirs, letters to friends, and experiences, was compiled and published by his great-great-granddaughter, the late Miss Amy Apcar. Source: Armenians in Australia and New Zealand, Father Aramais Mirzaian, P.190.

[iv] In 1796, through the munificence of Jacob Petrus, an opulent Armenian merchant of Bombay and a native of Hamadan in Persia, the indispensable national church was erected for divine worship in the Fort.  It is situated in Medows Street, where an Armenian priest is maintained for the spiritual requirements of the few Armenian families.

At the foot of the altar of the church is a square tablet with an inscription in Armenian, of which the following is a verbatim translation:

"This holy church was erected in the name of the holy Apostle Peter, during the Patriarchate of His Holiness Lucas, the Catholicos of the Armenians, by the munificence of Mr. Jacob of Hamadan, to the memory of his late parents, Mr. Petrus, his father and Zanazan Khatoon, his mother, the foundation stone of which was laid by Archbishop James, who was on an evangelical tour in India on behalf of the Holy See of Etchmiatzin in the year of our Lord, 1796, on the 14th day of Thirah (12th October)." Source: Armenians in India by Mesrovb Seth P.294

To view this Inventory with included images of some items please see my main website on this link