A Guide to Dharamshala’s St John in the Wilderness Church

Located in the beautiful town of Dharamshala, the St John in the Wilderness Church is a historical landmark that holds a special place in India’s colonial history. Built in 1852 and named after its founder, Reverend John Henry Kerr, this church is an important piece of architecture with a unique story. Read on to find out more about this iconic landmark.

The St John in the Wilderness Church is an iconic architectural landmark located in the beautiful town of Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. The church was built in 1852 by Reverend John Henry Kerr, who arrived from England during British rule. He had a vision for a Christian place of worship and made it his mission to build this church for the benefit of the local community.

The design of the building follows neo-Gothic architecture, featuring pointed arches and stained glass windows. The interior is adorned with beautiful murals painted by Kerr himself, depicting the life of Jesus Christ and various Biblical stories. The original bell tower still stands at the entrance and is a popular tourist attraction in Dharamshala.

The St John in the Wilderness Church holds a special place in India’s colonial history as it was one of the first churches built during British rule. It has also become an important symbol of Christian faith in India in modern times, with tourists coming to visit from all over the world to witness its beauty and learn about its unique story.

The church is open to visitors everyday and holds regular services. It is a great place to visit if you want to learn more about India’s colonial history, experience the beauty of neo-Gothic architecture or just appreciate the peace and serenity this church brings. Whether you’re a religious traveler or simply looking for an interesting sightseeing spot, St John in the Wilderness Church is a must-visit destination in Dharamshala.

The History of St John in the Wilderness Church

The St John in the Wilderness Church was built by Reverend John Henry Kerr in 1852. He had been sent to India by The Church Missionary Society of England, and he chose Dharamshala as his base because of its mild climate and serenity. By 1861, he had already built two churches for the local British community—one for himself and one for his congregation—which were later renamed “St John’s” and “St Paul’s.” The latter still stands today as a testament to Reverend Kerr’s legacy.

Architecture & Design of St John in the Wilderness Church

St John in the Wilderness is an example of neo-Gothic architecture, characterized by its pointed arches, intricate tracery, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses. It also features impressive stained glass windows designed by renowned architects Robert Chisholm and Charles Eamer Kempe which depict Jesus Christ surrounded by figures from Biblical stories such as David and Goliath. Inside, you will find memorial stones dedicated to those who served during WWI and WWII along with plaques honouring many famous individuals such as Lord Elgin (the Governor General of India from 1862-1864).

A Must-Visit Destination

The St John in the Wilderness Church is an important part of Dharamshala’s history and culture, making it a must-visit destination for travellers interested in exploring India’s colonial past. As well as admiring its beautiful architecture and design, visitors can also explore its gardens or attend one of its regular services on Sundays at 11 am or 6 pm (non-denominational).

The St John in the Wilderness Church is an iconic landmark located within Dharamshala that has stood for over 150 years. With its stunning neo-Gothic architecture and rich history, it’s no wonder that it remains a popular destination among travellers looking to explore India’s colonial past or just admire its beauty up close. Whether you’re attending one of the regular services or simply taking a stroll around its grounds, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy! So make sure you add this incredible spot to your list when visiting Dharamshala!