 |
| 1900 Christ church, Kasauli, |
 |
| Christ church, Kasauli, HP. upload.wikimedia.org |
The Christ Church at the hill station of Kasauli is a landmark and heritage church in this part of the sub Himalayan region and the construction began in 1841. Besides spending lots of money, the builder took quite a bit of time to build the church in this rugged terrain. Apart, much focus was paid to the impressive design style - neo-Gothic and steeples.
When the Viceroy of India, Sir John Lawrence, was on a visit to the church in the wilderness, he was much impressed, however, his joy did not last when he observed that the work was not yet completed. There were no pews built yet. Quite furious, he asked the builder to go for public subscription to finish the work. It took nine years to complete the construction. The contribution of M.J. Jennings, Rev Spry, Rev. Parker (Principal of Lawrence School Sanawar) and Rev Thomas John Edward Steel are worthy of mention. A little known fact is EIC bore a small part of the construction cost.
 |
| /Christ church, Kasauli, HP.commons.wikimedia.org |
The church has impressive arches, buttresses on the sides to bear the additional stress caused by the walls, beautiful frontage, finely- chiseled stone, wooden pews made from Burma teak and lancet windows on the sides to provide natural light. This church is counted as one of the best finished churches in this part.
More than 179 years old, its foundation stone was laid by Bishop Wilson of Calcutta (Kolkata). On 24 July 1853, the church was opened for service by the Chaplain Thomas John Edward Steel MA, St. John’s College, Cambridge, at Evensong. Consecration was done on 8 January 1857 by the Authority of the Bishop of Calcutta. As there was no church nea by the prayer services were useful to the soldiers in the nearby barracks.
Once the church of the Anglican Communion, it is now under the management of Church of North India. Lots of worshippers and tourists come here.
 |
| Christ church, Kasauli,foodravel.com |
 |
| Christ church, Kasauli, HP. commons.wikimedia |
 |
| Christ church, Kasauli, HP. upload.wikimedia.org |
Dressed sandstone, a cruciform floor plan, fine-stained glass windows above the high altar depict the Christ on the cross are the main features. Stained window glasses depicting Christ, Mary, Saint Barnabas and Saint Francis were imported from London
In early 1880s the church tower came up and the clock was placed on it under the direction of Rev J.B. Brunesson.The clock was imported from W.H. Bailey & Co of Manchester, England. The church's belfry can be accessed through a narrow staircase. The clock on the belfry was repaired in 2015 and the old mechanism - cogs and gears was revived with great difficulty. Thanks to the local Infantry Brigade of the Army and a good samaritan from Chandigarh. The clock that used to chime every hour worked continually for 50 to 60 years according to the media reports. It is said this clock was made in the 1870s.
The church graveyard covering about one acre is surrounded by lots of greenery - deodar and horse-chestnut trees and a few flowerbeds. There are several memorial plaques in the church in honor of those who died in a life-threatening forest fire.
This church needs repair and restoration work as many parts show damages because of water leaks during rains causing Structural damages, Pieces of furniture including pews need some repair work that has to be done without damaging heritage values.
https://www.thehimalayanarchitect.com/travel/charismatic-christ-church-of-england-in-kasauli-india
https://www.facebook.com/kasauli.info/posts/-christ-church-kasauli-in-1900-the-development-of-kasauli-began-in-1841-an
K. N. Jayaraman (Author: navrangindia.blogspot.com)
