St. John's Church Meerut

Also known as Saint John the Baptist Church, John’s Church is an architectural marvel in Meerut. This popular Church in Meerut dates back to the early 19th century and is one of those few heritage sites that still stand to narrate various great historical events, including the Revolt of 1857. An interesting fact about John’s Church is that it is the oldest church in North India. The edifice of this famous church in Meerut still includes a large pipe organ that is non-functional. To provide air to the organ, manually operated bellows were installed in it. Amidst the cacophony of the city life of Meerut, John’s Church is one of those few places where you can pay a visit to attain peace of mind. Throughout the year, the church remains flocked with people, however, the number doubles during Christmas, Easter, and Good Friday.

History of John's Church

The history of Saint John the Baptist Church dates back to the time of the British colonial era in India. Built to serve the military garrison, the construction of John’s Church started somewhere between 1819 and 1821. It was Rev. Henry Fischer - the British Army chaplain and clergyman of the Church of England, who founded this Christian sacred site Meerut.

Architecture of John's Church

The structure of John’s Chruch follows the conventional style of architecture in which most English churches were built before the Gothic Revival. The architecture of this holy site in Meerut boasts an influence of Palladian or classical style. However, the architectural design of the church was planned per local conditions. It includes an open-interior space for worship which was built to ensure the easy flow of air to maintain the temperature of the prayer hall. The prayer hall also includes a balcony which is no longer in use. Since its inception, this Christian religious place in Meerut has undergone numerous renovations that have helped the church to keep its grandeur intact. Along with that, there is also a church cemetery close to the church.