Christ Church Shimla, the famous hill station popular as tourist destination in summer for entire country, hosts number of religious places that have a wonderful past and magnificent heritage. The main subject when we think of places worth visiting in the town is Christ Church. It is one of the major attractions of the city. Particularly famous among the history buffs, sightseers, and most importantly the spiritualists, the church is one of the magnificent structures from the past. It is the second most oldest church in the entire northern regions of India.
Christ Church, which is situated in the centre of the town of Shimla is believed to be the second oldest church in North India. This sacred church is the prominent landmark of Shimla that reflects the beauty of British era architecture. Built in the Neo-Gothic style in 1857, the church contains five fine stained glass windows and each window represents different Christian virtues of Faith, Hope, Charity, Fortitude, Patience and Humility. The pipe-organ in the church is the biggest in the Indian subcontinent and was installed in September 1899.
History
Christ Church at Ridge, Shimla is considered to be one of the oldest Churches in Northern India. The beautifully sky touching architecture of Christ Church at Ridge Shimla is the outcome of Bristish works. The first cornerstone of Christ Church at Ridge, Shimla was laid on 9th September 1844. It marked the beginning of the construction of this holy church in Shimla.
The Christ Church in Shimla was, however, consecrated on 10th January 1857 by Bishop Wilson of Calcutta. The Church was built of stone and brick in lime mortar by Col. J.T. Boileau with new gothic elements. Christ Church at Ridge, Shimla was the first ‘proper’ church in the town. Earlier when this Christ Church was not built at Ridge Shimla, the Church services were held in a thatched building on the Northbook Terrace on the Mall near the Telegraph Office.
Heavy snows in 1961 caused extensive damage to the building of the Christ Church and pinnacles running along the length of church were totally dismantled. Even today the Christ Church at Ridge, Shimla has some interesting memorial tablets while the pews still mark the seats of British Viceroy of India and the Commander-in-Chief.
Architecture
The yellow painted Christ Church stands tall and prominent on the upper Ridge area of the mall road and is visible from all over the hill town. Time has stopped with the hands of the clock as the rust of age has crept in. The church has five stained glass windows each of which represents the Christian virtues of faith, charity, hope, fortitude and patience.
Stone Pulpit: In 1877, the stone pulpit was constructed in the memory of Bishop Milman who was the then bishop of Calcutta.
Pipe Organ: In 1899, the pipe organ was built by Morgan and Smith of Brighton and then it had cost them Rs 23,000.
Tablets: The tablets in the church are the memorials of Major General Godwin who was the commander in chief in the 1852 expedition.
Glass Windows: In 1890, the east window was erected in memory of the wife of the late Bishop Mathew and this work was done by Buelison and Grylls of London. The fresco paintings on the sanctuary walls were replicated from the design by Lockwood Kipling and the frescos were done by the students of the Mayo School of Art in Lahore.
The church’s interior can accommodate 574 devotees at a time and that can be expanded by adding chairs to 630. The height of the tower is 90 feet and it has prominent round clock on it, a metal Cross, a brass bell and a series of six small bells. The tower was erected in the year 1900.
The architecture of this church in Shimla got inspired by Neo-Gothic style. The church was the first religious place built in Shimla for the Christians. The clock installed in the church came as a donation from Col Dumbleton in the year 1860. The church had its porch added in the year 1873, Christ Church has another interesting feature, five glass windows, which attract people of different communities to come here and appreciate it. Each of these windows is made of stained glasses. One of these windows symbolize various virtues of Christianity – Charity, Humility, Fortitude, Faith, Patience, and hope.
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