The very walls and ceilings of Brotherhood House whisper of its long history. Nestled within a sprawling campus with manicured lawns, its architecture is a clear testament to colonial-era elegance. Located near Civil Lines Metro Station and Raj Niwas, the official residence of Delhi's Lieutenant Governor in capital, it's an easily accessible yet distinct landmark. Within its grounds, an entire history unfolds. Towering, ancient trees cast welcome shade, their branches alive with the endless chirping of birds. This sanctuary offers a stark contrast to the capital's relentless cacophony, a true haven of peace.

Echoes of a Century

Constructed in 1925, Brotherhood House proudly marks its centenary this year. Brother Monodeep Daniel, originally from Lucknow, has lived here for the past three decades, settling here upon moving to Delhi and even teaching English at St. Stephen's College for a few years. He explains that residents dedicate most of their time to the church, its related activities, and managing the schools and institutions under their care. He highlights the Deen Bandhu School in Sahibabad, where children from marginalized families in Delhi and UP receive education. This school was established by the DBS in honour of C.F. Andrews, a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi. Andrews himself was a member of the society and resided at Brotherhood House when it was located near Fatehpur Church, before its relocation in 1925.

Royal Connections

The British monarchy, notably King Charles III and his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, shared a continuous connection with the Delhi Brotherhood Society (DBS). Both visited centres associated with the DBS. King Charles, then Prince, visited Delhi in 1997. During this visit, he observed the activities at the DBS's St. John Vocational Centre in Tahirpur, near Dilshad Garden. The centre offers courses like air-conditioning repair, motor mechanics, beautician training, carpentry, and tailoring to hundreds of young people from underprivileged backgrounds. Queen Elizabeth II also visited Brotherhood House during her 1997 India tour, meeting with the resident priests.

A Haven in Times of Turmoil

Every year when Independence Day approaches, many refugee families in the capital recall the tumultuous days of Partition when their elders were forced to flee their homes for Delhi. Many arrived injured, having faced deadly attacks en route; several women were pregnant. During this period, doctors and nurses from St. Stephen's Hospital (also established by DBS), Lady Hardinge Hospital, and Irwin Hospital worked tirelessly to treat them. Ajay Soni, an East Delhi businessman whose family migrated from Lahore shares, "My family feels deeply connected to St. Stephen's Hospital. It was here our elders received treatment upon arrival." Renowned actor Manoj Kumar once shared with this writer that his family also arrived in Delhi in 1947. His younger brother was ill, and DBS volunteers provided constant aid to refugees, offering shelter at Brotherhood House itself.

The Soul of Brotherhood

On occasions like Good Friday, Easter, or Christmas, the absence of Ian Weatherall is still deeply felt by Delhi's Christian community and all who knew him. He was the life and soul of Brotherhood House.
His initial connection with India formed during World War II, while serving in the British Army's Punjab Regiment and living in various Indian cities. "After the war, his life changed," informs Brother Solomon George, a veteran of DBS. "He grew disillusioned with military service and began speaking and writing against war. Witnessing its devastation firsthand, he became deeply troubled by its futility." He pursued Theology at Cambridge University. Seeking peace and driven by a desire for social service, he served as a priest in London before returning to India in 1951.
Despite the prevalent anti-British sentiment in post-independence India, he joined the Delhi Brotherhood Society and made Brotherhood House his home. Ian Weatherall dedicated his life to advocating for the rights of the poor, destitute, and marginalized, with Mahatma Gandhi's influence clearly visible in his persona. Before his death in 2013 at the age of 91, Father Weatherall expressed his wish to be buried in India, "to merge with its sacred soil." He rests in Nicholson Cemetery at Kashmiri Gate, where admirers still place flowers on his grave.

An Expanding Legacy of Education

Life at Brotherhood House isn't solely about solemn duties for the priests who live there. This is the home of unmarried church priests. Beyond church, prayer, and social service, there are moments of joy, such as celebrating colleagues' birthdays. A current focus is nurturing the St. Stephen's Cambridge School, recently established on the Delhi-Sonipat border, into a premier institution.
Brother Solomon George shares that the DBS founded the renowned St. Stephen's College on February 1, 1881, initially with five students and three teachers, affiliated with Calcutta University. This educational legacy, begun 144 years ago, now extends to the St. Stephen's Cambridge School.
The term 'Brother' for DBS members originates from the 'Brotherhood of the Ascended Christ,' established in Delhi in 1877, to which these priests belong. Interestingly, Ian Weatherall was widely known as 'Father,' a title reflecting the deep respect he commanded.
Leaving Brotherhood House after a few hours with its dedicated residents, one feels reassured. In this rapidly changing world, it's heartening to find individuals steadfastly committed to the welfare of others.

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