Introduction

The large safe in St. John’s Church holds not only the beautiful Communion vessels but also the valuable registers of the church. The oldest record book dates back to 1863. It contains reports written by the Bishops of Calcutta (and then, Lahore) and the Archdeacons – who were in charge of the property. The first entry by the Archdeacon who visited in April 1863 records that nine people gathered for Holy Communion in the Doctor’s house. The Chaplain, Rev. J.R. Baldwin, was at that time in charge of Kangra, Dharamsala and Dalhousie. He was appointed by the Ecclesiastical Department as a Church of England chaplain under the authority of the Bishop of Calcutta – which means that he was a government official and not a missionary.

Eventually, the Government decided that Dalhousie would be a civil station and a building to seat 150 people was designed and erected by the Department of Public Works. The Bishop of Calcutta on his 2nd Episcopal visit laid the first stone on 12 October 1872. The building progressed slowly. By October 1873, the walls were only 3 feet high. The church was not finished in 1875 but by 1882, English and Hindustani services are recorded. In 1885, the railings around the church were put up and the trees planted and the gardens laid out. In 1887, the Bishop complained that the attendance was poor because the church was stuffy and so an elaborate ventilation system was installed in 1888, with vents outside, below the level of the floor and grills inside all along the floor of the main aisle. In 1888, the marble floor in the chancel was laid. St. John's is Dalhousie's oldest church.

High stone revetments and a narrow path do not reveal much of St. Francis' church, the Catholic Church, from the road below. It is only when you reach the top that the structure and the flattened hilltop are revealed. The church, which lies just above Subash Chowk dates back to 1894 and was built by contributions. The dressed-stone, dark woodwork and stained glass windows are finely done. Services are held on Sundays.

Today, even if the pews are not as they packed as they once were, both churches are well preserved.

Special Attributes

These are the two churches within the town.

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Conservative

Connectivity

Taxis, buses and walking

Enjoyed by

General interest, history, architecture and religion buffs

Exposure

None inside

Avoidable Season

None

Facilities

Parking, restaurants and shops close by.

Things Not Allowed

Vehicles in the compound

Tip

The churches often remain locked. Check if they are open before visiting.

Type of site

Churches