No signs of Sunday worship are posted and the usual open gates welcoming all visitors are locked tight. Chamba’s Church of Scotland, a part of the Church of North India Diocese, reportedly has been converted into a library. It stands as a reminder of the British era of rule in India, but little else these days. Tourists can find Chamba Church near the popular Laxmi Narayan Temple.

In April 1829, the first foundation stone was laid. Wood beams from Tipu Sultan’s former summer palace, roughly 120 kms away, was hauled by elephant to the construction site. The church was set apart for the service of the almighty God in December 1830, though the building was not officially completed.  So why the early consecration? There was no bishopric of Madras (Chennai) at this time. With Lord Bishop of Calcutta was visiting Ooty during the final stages of construction, and no other options, it was decided to take advantage of the visitation. Lord Bishop consecrated the new church, the first of the Nilgiri mountains, while recommending his own chaplain from Calcutta as the first Chaplain appointment. Public worship began on Easter Sunday, April  3, 1831.

The huge wood beams plus stained glass on the eastern wall as well as behind the Chancel (showing Mary holding baby Jesus and the crucifixion of Christ) are worthy of a look. Headstones of the original Ooty British can be seen in the slightly overgrown cemetery. Tourists with travel in the area are welcome to Sunday services held at 8 AM and 11 AM., or to tour the British Church of India Mon-Sat after 10 AM.