Christ Church is the yellow neo-Gothic church on The Ridge, at the start of The Mall in Shimla, and its spire can be seen from across town. It was built for the Anglican British community, consecrated in 1857, and is counted as the second oldest church in North India. Inside are wooden interiors, stained-glass windows and copper plaques that set out the church's history. People of any faith may enter, sit quietly or light a candle. The Ridge in front is a good spot to watch the sunset with the church behind you, and the building is lit in the evening.
From 1844 to the consecration in 1857
Christ Church was built to serve the large Anglican British community that lived in and visited Shimla in the colonial era. The foundation stone was laid on 9 September 1844 by Rev. Daniel Wilson, the Bishop of Calcutta. Colonel J. T. Boileau designed the church that year.
Construction took more than a decade. The church was consecrated on 10 January 1857 by Bishop Thomas Daltrey of Madras. It is counted as the second oldest church in North India, and it is still an active church.
The building and its spire
The church is neo-Gothic in style, with a tall spire and a yellow facade. One source gives its height as 90 feet. The spire can be seen from across Shimla, which is why locals often use the church as a meeting point.
It stands on The Ridge, close to Lakkar Bazaar and the start of The Mall. It is about 2 km from Shimla Railway Station and 1.3 km from the old bus stand. The church has appeared in several Bollywood films, including 3 Idiots.
Inside the church
The interior is kept simple. Wooden fittings, long wooden benches and large chandeliers fill the prayer hall, and there is a pipe organ. The stained-glass windows are the main decoration. They represent Christian virtues including faith, hope and patience.
Copper plaques on the walls describe the church's history, and it is worth reading them before you leave. People of any religion are welcome to come in, sit quietly or light a candle.
A story from the pulpit
A story told about the church shows how closely it was tied to the social life of colonial Shimla. One vicar is said to have preached against the crinoline, the wide hooped skirt of the period, because it took up so much room in the pews that other worshippers could not find a seat. The following Sunday, the women are said to have arrived in their riding habits.
The Ridge around the church
The church is a good starting point for a walk through Shimla's colonial buildings. The route heads west from here to the Gaiety Theatre and Scandal Point, and continues towards Bantony hill.
The open ground of The Ridge in front of the church is where many people come to watch the sunset with the building behind them. In the evening the church is lit, and at Christmas it is decorated. A few minutes sitting inside before the crowds gather outside is a calm way to end the day.
Perguntas frequentes
Can people of other faiths visit Christ Church?
Yes. People of any religion are welcome to enter, sit quietly or light a candle. Keep your voice low, as it is an active place of worship.
Where is Christ Church in Shimla?
It stands on The Ridge, at the beginning of The Mall and near Lakkar Bazaar. It is about 2 km from Shimla Railway Station and 1.3 km from the old bus stand.
When was Christ Church built?
The foundation stone was laid on 9 September 1844 and the church was consecrated on 10 January 1857. It was built for the Anglican British community in Shimla.
What is there to see inside?
You can see stained-glass windows representing Christian virtues such as faith, hope and patience. There are also wooden interiors, a pipe organ and copper plaques that explain the church's history.
How long do you need at Christ Church?
Around 30 to 45 minutes is enough to see the interior, read the plaques and look at the exterior. Allow longer if you also want to walk The Ridge or stay for the evening lighting.
