This famous yellow Christ Church, known as the second oldest church in northern India is the famous landmark of Shimla. Colonel JT Boileau designed Christ Church in 1844 but was consecrated only after 1857. This exquisite beauty has stained glasses fitted on its windows. Built between 1846 and 1857, the silhouette of the church can be seen on the skyline for miles. Colonel Dumbleton donated the clock in 1860 and the porch was added in 1873. In Shimla's 75 years of reign as summer capital, a long line of officials and other notables of the Raja came to the church for their Sunday prayers. The seasonal influx was so great at times that space would pose a big problem but now, the congregations have dwindled and there is no lack of space.
The Christ Church still has those lovely stained glass windows for which it is so famed. The most remarkable one is that representing the virtues of Faith, Hope, Charity, Fortitude, Patience and Humility. But around the chancel window there used to be a beautiful fresco designed by Rudyard Kipling's father, Lockwood Kipling who was the principal of Mayo School of Art in Lahore, which does not exist today.
One can discreetly have a look inside the church or attend English-language services every Sunday during the tourist season.
