An episcopal college was being built in Calcutta by Bishop Middleton in the Gothic style. The missionaries did not consider this north European style to be suited to the tropical climate, as ample ventilation is the paramount objective of every building in the East. They preferred the Grecian style, and a noble specimen was erected in the 10 acres of grounds. It was built under the superintendence of Major Wickerdie, the Second Member of the Council of Serampore, and the main building was completed in 1822.

John Clark Marshman, 1859.