The St. Anthony’s Forane Church, Ollur, was built by the resident Christian families of Ollur under the leadership of Chiramel Chakoru Palu, a resident of Ollur, who got the permission from the Raja of Cochin. The foundation stone of the church was laid by Rev. Marottical Poulose. The church was built in typical Kerala Vaastushilpa architectural style in the period 1883-1893.
The Ollur Forane church is one of the best models of Christian architecture in India. The Ollur church is one of the wealthiest in the whole of Kerala. The Ollur forane church, founded in 1718 and dedicated to St Anthony, also houses a famous Shrine of Raphael the Archangel. This is one of the oldest churches built in 18th-century Kerala. The festival, held on 23 and 24 October of each year, isone of the most important Christian festivals in Kerala. The history of St. Antony’s Forane Church begins in June 13 1718 CE when a temporary church was constructed of the religious and first mass was conducted.
The Church was blessed on June 13,1722 CE by Mar Antony Pimentel who was then Bishop of Kodungallur along with Johann Ernst Hanxelton, famously known as Arnos Paathiri.
Previously, the Ollur Christian population went to Mass in Pazhuvil church. One day one of the women of the Chiramel family missed Mass in Pazhuvil church. Disappointed, she told this to her son and asked him to construct a church in Ollur. The authorities permission was required to setup a church in ollur, Which was densely populated by Hindus and housed two temples dedicated to Lord bhagavathi and Lord shiva , so it was not easy. Malaekal Karthakal was a true symbol of human unity and religious harmony in those days. He came out publicly with the promise of support for the establishment of the church. After this, land donated by Malaekal Karthakal was used for building a new church in Ollur. According to church records, in 1718 a temporary church was constructed and the first Mass was conducted. The church was blessed on 13 June 1722, by the Mar Antony Pimentel, known Metropolitan and Gate of All India or Bishop of kodungallur along with Johann Ernst Hanxelton famously known as Arnos Paathiri. It is said th at a small ivory statue of St. Antony, where donated by metropolitan Thirumeni to the church.
In 1750 started celebrating the feast of St Sebastian in the month of January and is the second major festival in the parish. Saint Sebastian (c. AD 256 – 288) was an early Christian saint and martyr. According to traditional belief, he was killed during the Roman emperor Diocletian’s persecution of Christians. The Ollur Church was erected. Many families from different part of the country began to flock to Ollur. But this did not last long. In 1790,TipuSultan set fire to church. The burning of the church shocked the Christians, even though they had been exterminated. Then After short long time ollur reborn, history has moved on again, Ollur has regained its strength as Christian center.
Neither the king nor the rulers nor the army were allowed to exercise any authority over those who sought refuge and protection with in the church walls. It should also be on the basis of that recognition that the ollur church should be considered to have been built on an Elephantwall (Aana mathil) around the vast expanse. Construction of wall around the church was completed on 1814 .Before the renovation of the Natashala, the church had a tower door (Aana vathil) and the complex was called as “sanctuary”. The Festival of Angel Rapheal of Ollur parish began to be celebrated as a community of love and happiness , beginning with the historical records. Such a simple celebration began in 1839, and for sometime we celebrated the day with enthusiasm and the responsibilities of the devotees.
Meanwhile the number of people seeking the angels intercession with various requests and petition gradually increased. Due to the large number of pilgrims , the festival was later celebrated in the church itself, not in the
vicinity of the feast of the angel Raphael , but also in neighbouring states. During that time not only Keralites but also konkini people, Tamil people and parangi people where use to visit church to celebrate feast of St Rapheal. In the time of limited transport , bullock carts were used by families and neighbours , and bullock carts lined the streets of the church. In order to celebrate feast of 2 or 3 days ,rice and other ingrediants brought for cooking and eating on those days , even when the food is cooked on the sidewalks and in empty spaces . For them the festival was not only a joyous occasion but also sacrificial pilgrimage .
In 1845 small church ( vadakubagam palli) was built on north side in the name of angel St Raphael. The façade of this small church is oldest Surviving facades in kerala, accurately reflecting the Portuguese style and architecture . Thus began the burial of the dead in this small church, which stands as a symbol of ancient traditions (Beginning to be used as cemetery) The bodies of the priest were buried in tombs infront of the altar at the eastern end. Beautiful Altar was built in 1870 at ollur church. The Erathazhu Which is made entirely of wood behind the altar, is almost a fascinating work of art. You can see that the roof of the altar is covered with mud and some greens leaves. This is to prevent it from bending. On August 27, 1911 the main altar of the church was declared as “swayamvarabalipeedam” Most of the wooden altars are decorated with flowers, plants, vines and leaves. Pillars and false pillars are also carved in the wood. The altars of kerala are adorned with many special carvings made of wood.
Golden paint mixed with real gold and other pigments have been used for the paintings. In addition to vines and plants, angels, apostles, and saints can be easily seen on the other side. Carved candles for the permenant decoration of the altar are also used to proclaim the art.
The main wall on the north wall of the church was completed in 1874. The chapel on which worship, spirituality, devotion and holiness are based, is an indescribable atmosphere for human beings ; For the inner eye of spirituality, the bliss of heavenly bliss ia a combination. In the cage above the beautiful altar are statues of the sacred heart of jesus and in the cages on either side are statues of Christ the king and unni messiah. Upstairs are depicted angels singing with various musical instruments. On the surrounding wall, the Biblical events-wedding at cana, Appammurikal,the last supper, the sacrifice on the cross, Emmaus,Abels sacrifice, The birds giving bread to elliah, Abrahams sacrifice and manna from heaven are depicted. The top of chapel was covered with copper plate. In 1951 they were completely replaced due to damage and the asbestos sheets were replaced.
The seven storey Belfry or Bell tower( Manimaliga) took ten long years from 1883 to 1892. The porch of the church was modernized in 1949 and the roof of the crucifix at the top of the bell tower was replaced with a redesigned terrace ward. The huge statue of Christ king , with both arms sretched to embrace and bless everyone, is placed on high pedestal in the middle of the terrace. Anyone can see the king of Christ outstretched arms from anywhere .On the top seventh floor are three large bells made in France.
To the right door of chapel is a special cage dedicated to St Anthony on basis of his 800th birthday anniversary on August 15 1996 . Since then has been seeking the intercession of the Saint and Novena also Started. The Altar on right side of the chapel is completely made up of wood,On that Statue of St Theresa, St Vincent de paul, St Francis of assisi, St Evuphrasia and chavara are installed.
