Christ Church (Shimla)

Christ Church on a sunny day

Christ Church, Shimla, is the second oldest church in North India, after St John's Church in Meerut. It is a parish in the Diocese of Amritsar in the Church of North India. Its current incumbent is The Rev. Mushtaq Achher Malk, B.D., M.Th., whose ecclesiastical designation is presbyter-in-charge. Worship is conducted in Hindi and English.^[1]

History

Built in the neo-Gothic style in 1857 to serve the largely Anglican British community in what was formerly called Simla, Christ Church is situated on The Ridge. It stands out as one of the prominent landmarks of Shimla and its silhouette is visible for miles around the vicinity of Shimla city. Christ Church is one of the enduring legacies of the British Raj.

Christ Church was designed by Colonel J. T. Boileau in 1844, and the church was consecrated after 1857. The clock adorning Christ Church was donated by Colonel Dumbleton in 1860. The porch was added in 1873.

Christ Church survived the 20th-century partition and the subsequent political upheavals on the Indian subcontinent. Christ Church continues to be very well maintained and is in good condition. The clock, however, no longer works.

Architecture

Side view of Christ Church Shimla (1) from Mall Road

It is designed in the typical Elizabethan style. The church is lit at night to illuminate it.

The church contains five fine stained glass windows. One represents the Christian virtues of Faith, Hope, Charity, Fortitude, Patience, and Humility. The pipe-organ of Christ Church is the largest in the Indian subcontinent; it was installed in September 1899.^[2]

Among the church's holdings are a great collection of books and ancient scriptures.

References

1. "Christ Church Shimla". Christ Church Shimla. Retrieved 2013-12-10.
2. "Christ Church, Simla, India, by J. T. Boileau". Victorianweb.org. 2008-03-15. Retrieved 2013-12-10.