Introduction

The Anglican church of St. John in the Wilderness lies between McLeodganj and Forsythganj on the road to Dharamsala. This small dressed-stone church was built in 1852. The interior walls of the church are also of exposed stone whose forbidding appearance is relived by fine stained glass windows, the polished wood of the altar rail, and the brass of the old oil lamps – which have been modified to hold electric lights.

The church also has some memorial tablets which tell a story of their own. A few are dedicated to officers of the Gurkhas (the Gurkha regiments have had a long association with Dharamsala). One large memorial plaque is dedicated to officers who fell in the Mesopotamian, Palestinian and French campaigns during the First World War, and in Baluchistan.

On both sides, the church is flanked by a well tended cemetery over the grassy slopes. Some of the graves are of those who were killed in the great earthquake of 1905. The inscriptions on others have a heartrending poignancy.

The most notable memorial and one which adjoins the church, is the elaborate stone memorial that was erected over the body of the British Viceroy, Lord Elgin who died at Dharamsala in 1863.

The inscription reads - In memory of JAMES BRUCE, Earl of Elign and Kincardine K.T. G.C.B. G.M. S. I. Viceroy, and Governor-General of India, who having previously served his country as Governor of Jamaica, Governor General of Canada, High commissioner and Ambassador to China, and in other High offices, died at Dhurmsala in the discharge of his duties, on the 20th November 1863, aged 52 years and 4 months.

“He being dead yet speaketh.”

This monument was erected by his widow Mary Louisa, Countess of Elgin and Kincardine.

Services are held in the Church on Saturdays and on Sunday mornings.

Special Attributes

This is an attractive dressed-stone church surrounded by grounds and the churchyard; it is also the only church in McLeodganj

Nuisance

None, except , the occasional crowd in the grounds.

Dressing restrictions

Conservative

Connectivity

Autos, taxis, buses and walking

Enjoyed by

History, Culture, Religion, Cemetery and Photography buffs

Exposure

Subject to heavy rains in the monsoons

Avoidable Season

Open through the year

Facilities

Parking nearby

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction

Tip

A 'must-visit' for all

Type of site

Church