Christ Church

Christ Church is a neo-Gothic heritage church located on The Ridge in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. Built between 1844 and 1857, it is the second oldest church in North India. Designed by Colonel J.T. Boileau, the pale yellow structure features five stained glass windows representing Christian virtues and houses the largest pipe organ in the Indian subcontinent. It remains an active place of worship under the Church of North India and serves as a prominent colonial-era landmark visible from across the city.

Visitors can expect to see a historic neo-Gothic church with a distinctive yellow facade situated at the eastern end of The Ridge. Inside, the sanctuary contains five stained glass windows depicting Christian virtues, brass memorial plaques, and a large pipe organ installed in 1899. The chancel fresco was designed by Lockwood Kipling. Photography inside the sanctuary is strictly prohibited. The exterior is floodlit at night, creating a prominent visual landmark. As an active church, visitors should expect a quiet atmosphere and may encounter restricted access during Sunday morning services.

Foundation stone laid on September 9, 1844, by Bishop Daniel Wilson of Calcutta. Consecrated on January 10, 1857, by Bishop Thomas Daltrey. Designed by Colonel J.T. Boileau to serve the Anglican British community in Simla. Guy Gibson, leader of the Dambusters Raid, was christened here in 1918. The porch was added in 1873 and the clock donated in 1860. It survived the Partition of India and continues as an active parish.

Serves as an active parish under the Church of North India, Diocese of Amritsar, conducting worship in Hindi and English. Represents enduring British colonial architectural legacy in Shimla. Functions as a primary landmark for local navigation. Hosts significant Christmas and Easter celebrations central to Shimla's Christian community.