This beautiful building amidst the beautiful hills of Nainital attracts tourists. I also parked my car in its compound as this Church is located in Mallital near High Court. I looked around the building of this beautiful church but did not see anyone there and the church was locked. Then a local person told me that the foundation of this church was laid by a priest named Wilson of Calcutta in 1844 and it was completed in 1846 which is also written outside the church. Due to the construction, the priest had to stay in an unfinished cottage in the nearby forest, due to which this church got its name.
This St. John in the Wilderness church was built during the British Raj and till India became independent, Nainital was the favorite retreat of prominent British citizens and most of the British followers used to come to this church for prayers.
This church is dedicated to St. John. Its architecture is an example of neo-Gothic architecture. The calm and divine atmosphere makes this church special. Coloured glass in the windows, three-storey bell tower, porch based on arches, arched door for entry into the prayer hall, stone-made and tiled roof etc. are the main features.
My visit was after the Corona period, so I did not find the church open and no caretaker was seen. It is certain that St. John in the Wilderness is an attractive church and I am also thankful to the local person who shared so much information.