United Carol Service held on advent of Christmas Season

MUSSOORIE, 23 Nov: On the advent of the Christmas season, a United Carol Service was organised at the Historic Christ Church Library Bazaar at around noon, today. Christians gathered in large number at the CNI regulated Christ Church, along with those from other communities, who also participated in the traditional carols, Bible readings and prayers.
The service began with a call to worship and congregational hymns -“Once in Royal David’s city”,
followed by the solo - Hey Parmeshwar - and Hymns sung by the Hindustani Church, Landour Bazaar. The duet, ‘Away in a Manger’ and the Woodstock High School choir also sang on the occasion.
Rev Erik Templeton delivered the message of peace and love and expressed his joy at the advent of the Christmas Season. He also said that the message of Jesus Christ ought to be the way of life for all.
Enosh Thomas, staff member of Hindustani Church, also presented a solo on the occasion.
He later said that the carol service was at the advent of the Christmas season, which begins from next Sunday.
OP Uniyal, President of the Nagar Palika, wished the community members peace, love and harmony on the occasion. He also said that he felt inner peace at the church and the choir presententations were excellent.
Manoj Saili, Sanjaya Mark, Naresh Agarwal, Pradeep Singh Samuel, Ajay Mark, Sushila Kaintura, Bindu, Mrs and Mr Darab Nagarwala, Swatantra Kumar and others were present on the occasion.

While Holidaying in Mussoorie, most tourists miss out on the famous historical landmark called Christchurch. It is situated near Kasmanda Palace, now a heritage hotel near Library Point. Completed on 16 May 1836, it is a beautiful landmark with its Gothic Design and the pre-Raphaelite stained glass windows.
As one enters the front yard of the church, one is greeted by a “Deodar’ tree planted by the Princess of Wales on Sunday, 4 March, 1906 after attending morning service at Christchurch. She went to become Queen Mary.
The massive structure during that time was erected by private donation for the use of British residents. Subsequently, many changes were made to the original building, notably in 1853, when the chancel, transepts and gothic style roof were added, as a result enlarging the building considerably. The supporters then turned to embellishment of the church by including stained glass windows.
Rev Erik Templeton fondly explains the brief history of the Church: “It was founded in 1836 as an Anglican Church (Church of England). Shortly after Independence, the parish became part of the newly formed Church of India, Pakistan, Burma and Ceylon. On 29 November 1970 (the first Sunday in advent), Christchurch became part of the Church of North India.”

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