Locating Christ Church of Kasauli is a simple task as it rises above tree tops and few other tall buildings of the miniature hill station of Himachal Pradesh. Heavily influenced by the British origins of Kasauli, Christ Church imitates most of the Anglican built structures across India. It’s grey stone and brick exterior assembled in pure British gothic architecture sits in a cross-shape pattern on a rock spur adjacent the town bus station.

The town was established in 1844, however ascertaining the origin of Kasauli’s Christ Church is tricky given an unconfirmed range of dates anywhere from 1844 to 1884. Construction most likely began within the decade after Kasauli’s origination, as a rise in population would have called for a place of worship among the Christian inhabitants. From it’s beginning until 1970, the church was under the organization of the Church of England. Since then the church, with a congregation of roughly 30, has been under the organization of Churches of North India.

Today the church looks dated, exhibiting signs of disrepair. Electrical wires added after construction haphazardly line the exterior (a common sight among buildings pre-dating electricity in India). The original roof long gone has been replaced with an unsettling green metal sheeting. Random bricks are scattered throughout the yard either for future repairs or left from where they leapt off the crumbling facade. Chestnut and fir trees mix with the natural overgrowth creating a somber environment within the walled property.

More care has been focused inside on the preservation of Christ Church’s small yet impressive sanctuary. Cedar beams mixed with dark stained pine boards complete the high vaulted ceiling. Gorgeous dark wood pews perfectly line the aisle as your eye is drawn to the colorful triple panel stained glass windows behind the altar.

Tourists can find Kasauli while traveling just inside the southern border of Himachal Pradesh.  Sunday worship is open to anyone.