PRENEETA SHARMA
Nestled in the breathtaking landscape of the Dhauladhar Range of Himachal Pradesh, St. John Church is one of the sacred houses of worship, which has a long history dating back to 1852. The church is named after John the Baptist and serves as a memorial to Lord Elgin, the former British Viceroy of India.
ARCHITECTURAL
St. John Church is an Anglican church and is in neo-Gothic architecture. The intricately carved stone walls provide witness to the artistry of the past. A magnificent ambiance was created within the church by the bright light streaming through the stained-glass windows. The church’s ageless attractiveness is enhanced by the exquisite interior design and the beautiful woodwork.
HISTORY
Part of the colonial legacy, St. John Church is the stunning church with its neo-gothic architecture. Constructed in 1852, the church was dedicated to John the Baptist. It was a place of worship for the British troops that were placed here during that period. In 1905, a major earthquake hit the Kangra area and took the lives of around 19,800 people.
Most of the buildings in Kangra were completely destroyed in the earthquake, but the church remained almost untouched except its bell tower, which was partially broken. In 1915, a new bell was reinstalled. The graveyard surrounding the church is where Lord Elgin, Governor-General and Viceroy of India, was buried in 1861.
Stained Glass Windows Of The Church
Lady Elgin contributed stained-glass windows to the Church of St. John in the Wilderness, which depict scenes from the Bible and give the inside of the church a touch of divine beauty. First and foremost, the windows are one of the church’s most cherished characteristics due to their excellent craftsmanship and detailing. The spiritual experience is further enhanced by the serene, contemplative atmosphere created by the filtered light coming through the stained glass.
Bell Tower
The bell, which calls the faithful to prayer, was cast in 1915 and continues to be a part of the pealing of time. It is stunning in and of itself and reflects the Gothic architectural style that dominates the entire structure. It is affixed to the tower of the Church of St. John in the wilderness. Visitors can frequently hear the sounds of the bell ringing reverberating through the forest, which has contributed to the church’s aura of mystery. The Church of St. John in the Wilderness in Dharamshala is open at the following hours: Opening at 7:00 AM and ending at 6:00 PM, the church is open to tourists Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, there are prayer services.
Cemetery at St John Church
British troops and other important colonial officials are buried in this hallowed location. A moving reminder of the history and tales of those who formerly called these magnificent mountains home is the graveyard at St. John in the Wilderness Church, Dharamshala.
REACH
St. John Church is easily accessible from Mcleod Ganj, about 1.5km in distance. The church is easily accessible by foot from Mcleod Ganj, which is located on Mallital Road, Dharamshala to Mcleod Ganj. You can stroll around the picturesque natural scenery if you’re in Mcleod Ganj, which is conveniently accessible in about twenty minutes.
Visiting the Church’s Interior
Generally, you can enter the church every day from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. Be mindful that police officers are always on duty to protect this monument. It could be shocking to encounter armed guards when you first arrive. Go through the pews silently as you enter, and look up at the sanctuary. It’s a stunning moment, with the stained glass letting light into the open area. Attend services every Sunday at 10 or 11 a.m. as well. Ministers usually conduct a Hindi service following the initial English service.
A weekday visit to the church should ideally be more peaceful than a weekend one. There won’t be as much crowding throughout the week, so you’ll have more time to enjoy the historic ambiance. Ultimately, this landmark offers a stunning perspective of a medieval cathedral and its surrounding landscape.
