Historic St Andrew’s Church, Darjeeling Reopens After Major Conservation Effort

Renovated 182-year-old landmark inaugurated virtually by the Chief Minister during the opening of the Kolkata Christmas Festival 2025

KalimNews, December 18, 2025, Kalimpong : The renovated building of St Andrew’s Church, located at the Mall near Chowrasta in Darjeeling, was inaugurated today by the Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, through a virtual ceremony held during the opening of the Kolkata Christmas Festival 2025. The inauguration coincided with Minorities Day as well as the first day of the annual Christmas festival, lending added significance to the occasion.

The extensive renovation, restoration and beautification of the historic church, which is 182 years old, was undertaken under the supervision of the District Magistrate, Darjeeling, with construction executed through the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA). The project was completed at a total cost of ₹1,55,31,033.60. Built originally in 1843 and rebuilt in 1873 after sustaining damage due to an earthquake, the church has now been restored following a conservation-sensitive approach aimed at reviving its historical importance while safeguarding its heritage integrity and original architectural character.

The newly refurbished structure retains its distinctive Gothic-style elements, including the stained glass windows and the interior design, while presenting a renewed appearance that respects the church’s historic fabric. The restoration work was carefully planned to preserve the architectural legacy of one of the oldest church buildings in the Himalayan region.

Historical records show that Darjeeling was acquired by the East India Company on 1 February 1835 as a ‘gift’ from the Chogyal (monarch) of Sikkim, Tsudhpud Namgyal. Nearly a decade later, the foundation stone of St Andrew’s Church was laid on 30 November 1843, and the first church service was held in October 1844. In September 1867, the church spire was struck by lightning and collapsed, rendering the building unsafe and leading to the suspension of all services.

In May 1869, the cornerstone of a new edifice was laid on the same site by Bishop Milman. Rebuilding was carried out using funds subscribed by the government and members of the congregation. The church was ready for use by 1871, and on 1 May 1873, Bishop Milman, Bishop of Calcutta and Metropolitan of India, consecrated the building in the presence of the Lieutenant Governor and a distinguished gathering of local residents. The first organ was installed in 1877, and on 30 May 1882, the Lieutenant Governor laid the foundation stone of the clock tower and belfry.

At present, St Andrew’s Church is under the care of the Eastern Himalayan Church Council of the United Church of Northern India. Despite being part of a Presbyterian organisation, the church has continued to maintain its Anglican identity. For the past six decades, the responsibility of maintaining the church has rested solely with its congregation, a task described as both challenging and demanding.

In 2019, P David Pradhan, IAS, then Secretary of the GTA, initiated the process for the renovation of the century-old church building. The project was subsequently approved, and the restoration and beautification work was awarded to Resilience Construction Company. Physical work on the site commenced in May 2023 and was carried out under the supervision of the Tourism Department of the GTA, the Engineering Department of the GTA, and the St Andrew’s Kirk Session.

Regular Sunday services at St Andrew’s Church continue to be conducted under the leadership of the Moderator, Rev. Rupert S. L. Rai, with an Anglican service held at 9 am followed by a Nepali service at 11 am, reaffirming the church’s enduring spiritual and cultural role in the life of Darjeeling.