Last Updated:
St Nicholas Church Nainital: Situated amidst the beautiful hills of Nainital, St Nicholas Church is not just a religious building, but is a part of the historical story of the 19th century, which wrote a new chapter for the safety of children, teachers and people living in the mountains. The legacy of this church built in the name of Santa Claus still tells its hundred years old story in the mist and peace of the mountains.
Nainital: Nestled in the serene mist covered hills of Nainital, Uttarakhand, there is a story hidden behind every trail. Some of nature, some of history and some of those people who left their legacy in these valleys. One of these stories is St. Nicholas Church (Christmas 2025)whose historical story is still cherished by Nainital. This church is not just a symbol of colonial architecture, but is also an example of the need, struggle and amazing inspiration of the time of British rule.
Famous historian Professor Ajay Rawat, resident of Nainital, Uttarakhand, tells that in the 19th century, when the population of Nainital was increasing, Sherwood College and All Saints College had already been established. The students and teachers of both these schools had to go to St. John’s Church in Sukhatal every Sunday for prayers. But the path to this church passed through dense forests, where there was always a danger of wild animals. At that time, traveling to the mountains was not easy. To meet this challenge, in 1890 Bishop Alfred Alfred Clifford and Lieutenant Governor of the North-Western Province, Sir Auckland Calvin, laid the foundation of a new church on a high, secure site near the Raj Bhavan. Six years later, in 1896, this church was formally replaced. Even today, Sir Auckland Calvin’s name is associated with the prestigious Calvin College in Lucknow. This became the first St. Nicholas Church of Kumaon.
The identity of this church is not limited to its location and architecture, its name is a legend in itself. Pro. Ajay Rawat explains that the church was named in honor of St. Nicholas, who is known all over the world as Father Christmas or Santa Claus. This saint of Greek origin was famous for charity and miraculous works. His most famous miracle is considered to be the miraculous saving of sailors stranded at sea. For this reason he was called the patron saint of sailors. He was born on 15 March 270 AD in a place called Patara and died on 6 December 343 AD in Myra. The dates of his birth and death are still considered very important in Christian culture.
Also read: From the chains of slavery to modern India, this church holds countless stories of history! Know when the construction took place
Heritage Church of Nainital
The tradition of giving gifts on Christmas around the world is also believed to be inspired by the generosity of Saint Nicholas. He is considered the protector not only of sailors but also of traders, archers, students and unmarried people. Russia, Serbia and Greece worship him as their patron saint. His popularity was so great that the first St. Nicholas Church was built in Myra almost 200 years after his death. His paintings, sculptures and stories have held an important place in art and culture for centuries.
St. Nicholas Church of Nainital is today declared a heritage building. Nestled amidst the peaceful forests near the Raj Bhavan, this church is not only a place of devotion to God, but is also a living testimony of the more than a hundred years old story which gave protection to the children of the mountains and also to Nainital. ‘Santa Claus’ Linked to the immortal story of.
