Church of St. John in Remote Wilderness Faces Desecration Threat
Nestled amidst the serene deodar forests of Dharamshala, near McLeod Ganj, stands a notable Neo-Gothic Protestant church known as St. John in the Wilderness. Built in 1852, the church is dedicated to John the Baptist and has been a beacon of spiritual significance and picturesque beauty for over a century and a half[1][2][4].
Constructed during British colonial times, St. John in the Wilderness Church reflects typical Neo-Gothic architectural style, with dressed stone walls and beautiful stained-glass windows that add to its aesthetic and historical value[1][5]. The church's tapering high windows and its front and back sides are in perfect harmony with the deodar grove, creating a scenic and tranquil atmosphere[1].
In 1905, the church faced a significant challenge when it was struck by the Kangra earthquake, a significant seismic event that caused considerable damage in the region[1]. As a result, the original bell tower had to be rebuilt and was replaced ten years later, in 1915, marking a key restoration effort to preserve the church[1]. A new bell was brought from England and installed outside in the compound of the church, further enhancing its charm[1].
Today, St. John in the Wilderness Church continues to be a popular landmark and tourist attraction, not only for its spiritual significance but also due to its historical importance in Dharamshala. It stands as a testament to the colonial heritage intertwined with the natural beauty of the Kangra Valley region[5]. The church is easily accessible to visitors exploring the area’s spiritual and cultural sites, located just a few kilometers from McLeod Ganj[5].
In 1992, the church witnessed a special event when visitors from 39 countries participated in its service, reflecting its growing international appeal[1]. The church is home to monkeys, baboons, and birds, adding to its natural allure[1]. The memorial for Lord Elgin, the British Viceroy of India, who died in Dharamshala in 1863, is located at the church, making it a significant historical site as well[1].
In summary, St. John in the Wilderness Church is an important historical structure dating back to 1852, recognized for its Neo-Gothic architecture, stained-glass windows, and the restoration of its bell tower following the 1905 earthquake, preserving it as a serene landmark surrounded by deodar forests near McLeod Ganj in Dharamshala[1][2][4].
References: [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._John_in_the_Wilderness,_Dharamshala [2] https://www.mcleodganj.com/st-john-wilderness-church/ [4] https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/st-john-in-the-wilderness-church-in-dharamshala-a-must-visit-place/349812 [5] https://www.tripsavvy.com/st-john-in-the-wilderness-church-dharamshala-3770112
Enhance your travel experiences by visiting St. John in the Wilderness Church, a historical and aesthetically pleasing structure nestled among deodar forests in Dharamshala. This church, built in 1852, offers a unique blend of spirituality, lifestyle, and a tranquil environment that complements the scenic beauty of the Kangra Valley region.
