Christchurch Mussoorie: Restored Art & Tradition Sunday, July 13, 2008 By Ajay Ramola While Holidaying in Mussoorie, most tourists miss out on the famous historical landmark called Christchurch. It is situated near Kasmanda Palace, now a heritage hotel near Library Point. Completed on 16 May 1836, it is a beautiful landmark with its Gothic Design and the pre- Raphaelite stained glass windows. As one enters the front yard of the church, one is greeted by a "Deodar' tree planted by the Princess of Wales on Sunday, 4 March, 1906 after attending morning service at Christchurch. She went to become Queen Mary. The massive structure during that time was erected by private donation for the use of British residents. Subsequently, many changes were made to the original building, notably in 1853, when the chancel, transepts and gothic style roof were added, as a result enlarging the building considerably. The supporters then turned to embellishment of the church by including stained glass windows. Rev Erik Templeton fondly explains the brief history of the Church: "It was founded in 1836 as an Anglican Church (Church of England). Shortly after Independence, the parish became part of the newly formed Church of India, Pakistan, Burma and Ceylon. On 29 November 1970 (the first Sunday in advent), Christchurch became part of the Church of North India." Rev Templeton further adds, "Today, Christchurch is a part of the Agra Diocese of Church of India." Its style of Christian worship has not changed since then." The stained glass windows of Christchurch, Mussoorie are a perfect example of the movement that began with revival of interest in Gothic architecture and glass techniques in the 1800s in England. Rev Templeton of Christchurch says, "Christchurch is fortunate to possess eight beautiful glass windows - beauty that has survived the attacks of the sometimes hostile climate of Mussoorie. They are a unique and pristine representation of the art that was brought by the British." Templeton is of the view that the Christchurch windows or "lights" are certainly among the most beautiful stained glass windows in the country today. As one enters the Church, one gets a sense of history from the inscriptions on the tablets erected in memory of the ones who died during that time. One tablet goes . "The memory of just blessed. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God". The tablet was erected by affectionate husband Major General JC Gray and children in fond remembrance of Arabela Kezia, the beloved wife, who departed at Deyrah on 25 April, 1864 in her 64th year. Templeton goes on to say that the church was in crumbling condition when he arrived. "It was falling apart; the revival work had to start in right earnest. Efforts made to restore the church bore fruit during 2002 -2003 when MN Manikandan of Thrissur, Kerala, assisted by a young team of artisans, took up the job. Mani was also a recipient of the Charles Wallace Trust Scholarship in 1997. The total cost of the restoration work was Rs 7,62,000. Funds were made available by INTACH UK Trust (Martand Singh, Chairman), by the 'Worshipful Company of Glaziers and Painters of Glass', London. The William Hill Organ The giant wooden structure right of the Altar immediately catches ones eyes in the church. It is nineteenth century William Hill Organ named after its manufacturer by the same name, who was born in 1789 and was active in his successful London based organ building business till the age of eighty. He may even have been involved in the specification and building of this one. This instrument retains the original casework, soundboard, wind system, mechanical key and stop action. The pipe work is also original. The Reverend, admiring the huge instrument, says, "This wonderful organ needs to be restored." The restoration of the instrument would cost around Rs 1 crore, a massive amount which cannot be raised by the church alone. He has appealed to all music lovers and heritage lovers to join in the movement to restore this work of art to its working condition. He promises that the "sound emanating will definitely be noteworthy". Sunil Raturi, who resides near the church, endorses Rev Templeton's views and says, "The Church used to be in a shambles and we as kids used to play hide and seek in the compound." A lot of hard work has gone into restoring the church. Restoration of the William Hill Organ would mean preserving the past and history of which Christchurch and Mussoorie have been a witness. It could also become a major tourist attraction. http://www.garhwalpost.com/centrenewsdetail.aspx?id=4710;&nt=Society --- Harshawardhan_Bosham Nimkhedkar Nagpur, India