St Marys Church

St. Mary's Church in Kotgarh, Himachal Pradesh, is a remarkable testament to the rich history and enduring spirit of the local community. My recent visit to this historical landmark left me awe-inspired by its architectural beauty and moved by the stories of its establishment and struggles.

Stepping into St. Mary's Church felt like stepping back in time. The church, established in 1872 during the British era, stands as a majestic symbol of colonial and Gothic architecture. Its towering spires, intricate carvings, and breathtaking stained glass windows evoke a sense of reverence and grandeur.

The journey of St. Mary's Church began with the vision and determination of the early Christian missionaries who ventured into this remote region. They faced numerous challenges and obstacles in establishing a place of worship in a predominantly non-Christian area. However, their unwavering dedication and commitment to spreading their faith paved the way for the creation of this magnificent church.

Over the years, St. Mary's Church has witnessed the ebb and flow of time, withstanding the tests of weather, changing landscapes, and social dynamics. Its historical significance is deeply rooted in the struggles and sacrifices made by the local community to preserve and maintain this architectural gem. The church has not only served as a place of worship but also played a vital role in the community's social and cultural fabric. It has been a gathering point for the faithful, a venue for weddings and ceremonies, and a center for religious and educational activities. The church continues to hold regular services, providing solace and spiritual guidance to the devoted congregation.

The present condition of St. Mary's Church is a testament to the dedication and efforts of the community and the church administration. Despite the challenges of time and limited resources, the church has been meticulously preserved, and its historical significance has been acknowledged and celebrated. The interiors of the church showcase exquisite craftsmanship, with well-preserved wooden pews, intricately designed altars, and mesmerizing stained glass windows that depict biblical stories. The serene atmosphere within the church walls invites visitors to reflect, find solace, and connect with their spirituality.

It is heartening to see the ongoing restoration and maintenance efforts undertaken by the church authorities and the local community. These endeavors ensure that the church remains a vibrant symbol of faith, history, and cultural heritage for generations to come.
Visiting St. Mary's Church is not just a journey through history; it is an opportunity to appreciate the struggles and triumphs of a community deeply rooted in their faith. As you walk through its doors, you can't help but feel the weight of the past and the enduring spirit that has kept this sacred place alive.

St. Mary's Church in Kotgarh stands as a testament to the indomitable human spirit, overcoming challenges and preserving a slice of history. Its historical and present condition reflect the perseverance and unwavering faith of the community. A visit to St. Mary's Church is not just a religious experience; it is a journey that allows us to pay homage to the past and appreciate the resilience of those who came before us.

A quaint cozy church, this is an very quiet and soothing place. The small walk from the road is nice and refreshing. The Himalayas against the backdrop of the church is a sight to behold.

A Beautifully Made Church By The Erstwhile Raj In 1800s.
It's Still Preserved Well With A Mission School Alongside.
It Acts As An Heritage Property For The History Lovers.

The Church Was Closed Due To Covid Protocols. But It Was Worth Having A Stop Out There.

Very old church built during British period adjacent to missionary school, the church was getting renovation when we visited.

What a beautiful place it was!
This church is very old and is in between the apple orchards.
Must visit place if you are in Narkanda /Kotgarh

Kotgarh is about 80 km from Shimla on the old Hindustan-Tibet Road. Church Missionary Society from London established St Mary’s Church here, way back in 1872, when Kotgarh was a part of the Punjab province. It is a quaint little church in yellow surrounded by hills and winding roads leading to it. You can see a hint of gothic architecture even in the simplest possible exteriors of the church. The old structure exuberates the old world charm from every part of it, be it the stained glass panel with Christ on it, stone and wood structure like every other old building here, tablets announcing information, wooden benches for devotees to pray or an old bell hidden in a bell tower above the entrance of the church. There is even an inscription in Urdu hanging on the walls of the church along with a hand drawn colourful map of the region. The church comes alive on a Sunday morning when a mass happens around 11 am. People come all dressed up for the mass and read from a Bible written in Hindi. A very few people attend it as the Christian population is not very high here. There is an old school by the side of the church that was also built at the same time as church.

The ansiant church in kotgarh.which is also named apple vally.this church is made by english goverment in 80s.there is very beautiful view of apple orched and beautifull view of the great HIMALYA.

Situated at kotgarh. Gorton Mission School is functions in the vicinity.established in 1872.and school established in 1843 and happens to be my Alma Mater.