Zion Church, Tharangambadi
| C.S.I Zion Church, Tranquebar, Tamil Nadu, India | |
|---|---|
Front view of the church | |
C.S.I Zion Church, Tranquebar, Tamil Nadu, India | |
| 11°01′33″N 79°51′17″E / 11.02583°N 79.85472°E | |
| Location | Tharangambadi, Mayiladuthurai district |
| Country | India |
| Denomination | Church of South India |
| History | |
| Dedication | 1701 |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Architectural type | Chapel |
| Style | Gothic architecture |
| Administration | |
| Archdiocese | Trichy-Tanjore Diocese of the Church of South India |
Zion Church is one of the oldest churches in Tharangambadi (Tranquebar), a Danish settlement in Mayiladuthurai district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is in the premises of Fort Dansborg, built with the help of Danish king Christian IV in an agreement with Danish Admiral Ove Gjedde in 1717 and acted as the base for Danish settlement in the region during the early 17th century. The Church was built in 1717 Rev Bartholomew zigenbalg by A.D by Rev. Bartholomaus Ziegenbalg and has records from the 18th and 19th centuries. He is believed to be the first Protestant missionary in India and the Church is believed to be the first Protestant Church in India.
New Jerusalem Church is a working church with hourly prayer and daily services and follows Protestant sect of Christianity. In modern times, it is under the dominion of Tamil evajalical Lutheran Church It is one of the most prominent landmarks of Tranquebar (Tharangambadi).