Monument of colonial history and architecture
Established in the year 1877, All Saints’ Church is Shillong’s oldest church and initially belonged to the Congregation of the Church of England. The foundation stone was laid by Lord Northbrook, the Viceroy of India (1872-76) and consecrated on 18th August 1877 by Bishop Edward Johnson of Calcutta, dedicating it to All Saints. The original church on Kacheri Road however was destroyed by the Great Earthquake of 1897. The present-day church was constructed in 1902, supervised and designed by Mr. W. Arundel, an Engineer and Architect and now belongs to the Diocese of North-East India, Church of North India.
All Saints’ Church’s prominent feature is its distinct wooden structure, making it unique and different from most churches. The Church’s architecture has Colonial Anglican roots and Neo-Gothic style. Visitors will witness the unique blend of European influence and local style. The style prevalent during British Colonial Era focuses on symmetrical, pointed arches, and stained-glass windows. You will observe the church’s Cruciform layout, a hallmark of the Anglican style. The church resembles a cross, with a central nave (main hall), transepts (arms extending from the nave), a chancel (altar area), and a vestry (room for storing religious items). You will notice that the church exhibits one of the finest collections of stained-glass windows and church bells brought from European countries. The bell tower serves as a landmark and calls for prayers. The colourful stained glass illustrates religious scenes, enhancing the artistry and interior of the church. The wood used was believed to be locally sourced, adding to the church’s architectural splendour.
All Saints’ Church is an example of exceptional architectural style. It depicts the fusion between the European framework and local Khasi influences. This blend displays the cultural exchange in the British rule era, strengthening the Church’s cultural and historical significance.
