Glimpses of Old Bombay and Western India, With Other Papers

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1900. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... (2.) BOMBAY DOMESTIC ANNALS, 1810-1893. Church and Kirk--Religious and philanthropic enterprise--Marriages, births and deaths--Bungalows--Malabar Hill--Mazagon residences--Corygaum--"The Fighting Doctor"--Education--Theatre and other amusements--Merchants--ExIorts, exchange, etc.--Globe-trotters--An East Indiaman--Press--Lawyers and High Court--William Erskine--Glimpses in 1823--Hormasjee Bomanjee--Pindarries and robbers--Gaols--Hill-stations--Colaba--Overland, and mails--Archeology--Asiatic So iety--The " upper ten "--Longevity. On June 19th, 1715, Cobbe preached a sermon in furtherance of building a church in Bombay, which fired the zeal of the community. After the sermon he waited on Governor Aislabie, and here is Dr. Oobbe's own account of the interview:--"Well, Doctor, you have been very zealous for the church this morning." "Please, your Honour, there was occasion enough for it, and I hope without offence." "Well, then, if we must have a church, we will have a church. Do you see and get a book made, and see what everyone will contribute towards it, and I will give first." The Governor subscribed Rs. 1,000, leaving a blank for the Company's subscription, which was afterwards filled in with Rs. 10,000. The church was erected and opened in 1718. Very little change was made in its internal economy, and the pews and seats remained unaltered for a hundred years. In 1818, exactly a century after the church had been opened for the first time, the pews were altered, and new chairs set down. Being entirely re-seated, the interior presented quite a different aspect, was much more comfortable for the worshippers, and more seemly for a house of God, inasmuch as some invidious distinctions between the well-to-do and common people had been abolished. On Christmas day, 18...