British-era Catholic church fading into oblivion

SHIMLA - When the entire world is celebrating Christmas, a British-era Catholic church in this Himachal Pradesh capital is slowly fading into oblivion. Its walls have developed cracks and floors have started sinking.

Built in 1886 by British architect Henry Irwin, the St. Michael’s Cathedral displays French Gothic style of architecture and has a cruciform floor plan.

“The church is facing the onslaught of time. It’s a picture of fallen glory. Nobody is sincere to protect this historical monument,” priest Father Xavier Harold told IANS.

He said that huge cracks appeared on the walls of the church and even the floors have started sinking.

“The church has started sinking from its southern side. It geological equilibrium has been disturbed. We have consulted architects and they advised us to construct a retaining wall to protect it from sinking further. For this, we need Rs.15 lakh,” Father Harold said.

“So far, we haven’t approached the state government in this regard. Since it’s a heritage property, it’s their duty to protect the historical monument. For us, it is almost impossible to generate so much funds.”

The church was built as the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Joseph in 1886 when Lord Ripon was the Viceroy.

Just off The Mall, once a ‘British only’ street meant for strolling on, it was the first Roman Catholic church to be built in the hill station.

The beautifully proportioned stained glass window over the altar shows St Francis on the left and St Joseph on the right.

“There are a few monuments in the world having French Gothic style of architecture. The government should come forward to maintain and restore its structure otherwise days are not far when it will have simply vanished,” Father Harold, who is based here for the past five years, said.

He said that at the time of construction of the church special wall tiles and bells were brought from Italy.

Prem Sharma, director of Himachal’s department of language, art and culture, said the church authorities have never approached the government regarding its restoration.

“If the church management approaches us, we will definitely provide some financial help to restore the building,” Sharma said, also a member of state heritage advisory committee.

The ‘Queen of Hills’, as Shimla was fondly called by the British, has 91 British-era heritage buildings that are in bad shape.

For preserving Shimla’s rich cultural and imperial heritage, the state government has sought special funds from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).