I love this little old building, Christchurch, which stands in the heart of Shimla. If you look at the pictures below, you will notice that the passage of time hasn't changed it all that much, even as its surroundings have become more crowded, more populated and filthier.
Colonel J. T. Boileau desgined it in 1844, but it was to be consecrated only in 1857. The clock was donated by one Colonel Dumbleton in 1860 and the porch was added in 1873. Charles Allen says in his wonderful book on Kipling that his father (Kipling's, not Allen's) had designed a beautiful fresco around the chancel window, but sadly, this has long since disappeared. No doubt, destroyed by zealous coats of paint added over the years.
Colonel J. T. Boileau desgined it in 1844, but it was to be consecrated only in 1857. The clock was donated by one Colonel Dumbleton in 1860 and the porch was added in 1873. Charles Allen says in his wonderful book on Kipling that his father (Kipling's, not Allen's) had designed a beautiful fresco around the chancel window, but sadly, this has long since disappeared. No doubt, destroyed by zealous coats of paint added over the years.
Someday, I would like to photograph the beautiful stained glass windows, which according to Shimla maven Raaja Bhasin, represent the virtues of Faith, Hope, Charity, Fortitude, Patience and Humility. Qualities that one hopes to cultivate assiduously in the New Year....
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