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05 April 2015

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
1st 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
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 
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
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
-
-
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
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
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
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
In memory of Talethy, the wife of Arathoon
1781
61
1
Small silver chandelier with 6 branches for candles
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
-
-
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
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.
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
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


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
-
-



[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 30th 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 9th 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 23rd 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 11th 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 12th June 1838 at the Armenian Church Calcutta. They had 8 children, Anna died 14th  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


[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












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