Church History
How Bandra Found Its Soul
(and Rang the Bells About It)
Before Bandra became brunch central and Bollywood’s backyard, it was the spiritual heart of Bombay, where church bells echoed louder than traffic horns (well, almost). This isn’t just history… it’s 500 years of holy drama, heroic Jesuits, flying church roofs, and some serious faith.
Here’s how it all went down, one blessed milestone at a time:
1534
Bandra becomes part of Portuguese-ruled Salcette. The seeds of faith are sown.
1568
Portuguese Jesuits take charge of Bandra, but initial progress is slow.
1571–1575
Jesuits granted Bandra (some sources say 1571), and in 1575 Brother Manuel Gomes revives missionary work, leveraging local language and customs.
1580–1591
By 1580, 2,000 converts; by 1588, that jumps to 4,000 and 6,000 by 1591 - efforts by Brother Manuel Gomes.
1601
The Hermitage of St. Andrew stands, proof lies in a papal indulgence.
1603
Almost all of Bandra embraces the Catholic faith. A quiet revolution of belief.
1616
Official parish of St Andrew is established, built over an earlier chapel, laying groundwork for today’s structure.
1618
A violent cyclone rips off the church roof. St. Andrew’s endures.
1739
The Church of Santa Ana is destroyed by the British to block Marathas.
St. Andrew’s becomes Bandra’s lone spiritual stronghold.
1740–1749
Maratha invasion forces the only shutdown of St. Andrew’s Church.
Post-1749
Secular clergy take over. The church flourishes again.
1823–1862
Roof & ceiling renewed (1823); compound wall added (1862) by Parsi benefactor.
1853
Bandra gains more churches. St. Andrew’s no longer stands alone.
1864
Church of St. Andrew gets repairs; altar replaced due to termite damage; school expanded.
1890
Wooden porch added to the church.
1900
Main altar rebuilt.
1931–1935
Roof renovated (1931); compound walls rebuilt and gates replaced (1934); Christ the King statue (1935).
1966
St Andrew façade replicated in 1966 extension, preserving its Baroque charm.
2002
St Andrew’s receives Urban Heritage Award.
2024 - 2025
The church underwent major restoration.
2025
On 07, December 2025, the restored church was consecrated. On the feast day, 30th November, it was open to all.
Today
Church of St. Andrew still rings its bells — echoing five centuries of faith and resilience.