Christ Church : The most prominent building on the Mall is the yellow Christ Church, reputed to be the second oldest church in northern India. The Christ Church is the most important landmark here and is photographed by tourists. The silhouette of this can be seen on the skyline for miles around. It was designed by Colonel JT Boileau in 1844, but consecrated only after 1857. The clock was donated by Colonel Dumbleton in 1860, and the porch added in 1873.
It still has those lovely stained glass windows (five in all) for which it is so famed. Check out the one that represents the virtues of Faith, Hope, Charity, Fortitude, Patience and Humility. According to Mr. Bazel Dean, the pipe organ is one of the biggest in the country and was erected in September, 1899. Its tuning was completed on September 23, 1899, and the dedication and opening recital took place on September 28, 1899.The beautiful "king of instruments" was built by Messers Morgan and Smith of Brighten (England) at a cost of Rs 23,000. It was extensively repaired in 1932.The 155-year-old church first had an organ which was erected in 1855. The major portion of it cost £ 250 and was subscribed by Lady Gomm wife of the Commander-in-Chief.
In 1875, the organ was replaced by a new instrument which in 1899 was sold to the Rawalpindi Church to make room for the present organ. The two most expensive stops were presented by Air Mackworth Young and Sir James Walker, while the cost of decorating the pipes was defrayed by the Countess of Elgin to commemorate the marriage of her daughter Lady Elizabeth Bruce with H. Babington Smith in the church on September 22, 1898. In the winter of 1900 the six bells were hung in the tower. The actual cost of the church came out to be Rs 89,000.--
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