Shimla’s Christ Church gets makeover ahead of Christmas

Shimla's Christ Church, the second oldest church in North India, has been given a complete makeover ahead of Christmas. The church, built in 1857 in the Neo-Gothic style at a cost of around Rs 50,000, has drawn significant attention from both locals and tourists who are making a beeline to get a glimpse of the decked up church. The church’s long-dysfunctional clock was recently repaired by Ashwani, an engineer from Chandigarh, who repaired it all by himself.

The renovation process, which began in 2023, has been completed with the church’s exterior getting refurbished this year. Rev Vinita Roy, Priest in Chief, said, “The Christ Church was in deplorable condition therefore it needed renovation. Funds for the renovation were raised through donations from the local community.”

Roy said the church has been given a complete makeover with high-quality paint on both its interior and exterior, along with new signboards and lighting provided by the Municipal Corporation, which enhances the church's charm, especially at night.

This year’s Christmas celebrations include a special Pahari Nati (local dance), a new addition to the festivities. While celebrations traditionally began on the evening of December 24, they will now start earlier at 6.00 pm to accommodate the cold weather, large crowds and the difficulty for senior citizens to attend late-night services. The celebrations will continue on December 25 with prayers, carol singing and various activities for children. Additionally, a special event is planned for the inmates of the Central Jail at Kanda on December 23, for which a request has been made to the prison authorities, she said.

Historically, Shimla, the erstwhile summer capital, was home to a thriving Christian community during the British era. However, the number of Christian families has dwindled to just 187, with around 400 Christians remaining, many of whom have relocated abroad in search of better opportunities.