In a first, no midnight mass in historic Christ Church

Bhanu P Lohumi

Tribune News Service

Shimla, December 24

In a first in the history of the 151-year-old Christ Church on The Ridge, there will be no traditional Christmas religious services such as midnight mass in view of the Covid threat and night curfew in the district from 10 pm till 6 am.However, morning prayers would be held twice inside the church tomorrow at 9.30 am and 11 am by following health protocols, said Rev Sohanlal. Only 50 persons could attend indoor services at a time as per the guidelines, he said, adding that dry ration would be distributed among the needyand the poor.

Built in 1857

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• Only 50 persons can attend indoor services at a time as per Covid safety guidelines.
• Built in 1857 in the neo-Gothic style, the Christ Church is said to be the second oldest in North India after St John Church in Meerut.
• The church was designed by Colonel JT Boileau in 1844.

“It was during World War II that a priest in Germany appeared as Santa Clause and distributed sweets and gifts to the poor and needy, and since then it is a practice to help the downtrodden,” said youth president of the church Andrew Samuel.

Built in 1857 in the neo-Gothic style, the Christ Church is said to be the second oldest in North India after St John Church in Meerut. It was designed by Colonel J T Boileau in 1844.