SATISH HANDA

164 years old historic holy St. Paul church at Ambala built in 1842 attracting large number of visitors from distant places in the country all over the year, especially to celebrate Crismas and New Year. The history of this ancient historic monument is unique inviting visitors from all over the country. Not only this, Ambala Cantt is famous for having biggest   Christian grave yard in North part of country where people visit for the search of graveyards of nears and dears and pay homage to their ancestors.

Holy Redeemer Church is another historic monument in the town near St. Paul Church, the construction of which completed in 1848 under the supervision of Saint (Padri) Kapchin Venus arrived from Italy where an Urdu school was also set up in year 1895 and the old building of this church was re-constructed in the year 1902. Lord Ripon then Catholic Viceroy during 1880-84 also visited this holy church while on way to Simla. Second anniversary of Queen Victoria was also celebrated at St. Paul Church presently situated near Indian Air Force Station Ambala Cantt which was adversely damaged due to bombardment by Pakistan Air Forces during war between India and Pakistan in 1965. According to information by Archeological Survey of India (ASI), holy bible Handain 1857 is still lying in this holy church.The history of one of the biggest Christian grave yard situated on Ambala-Jagadhari Highway came into existence in 1844 spread across several acres area accommodating more than 2.5 lakh graves most of them completely damaged beyond recognition. According to ancient history, bodies of countless soldiers lost their lives in World war, number of martyrs lost lives during war between British and African countries as well as bodies of 17 officers killed in attack at Simla were also buried in this grave yard. The visitors generally visit Ambala in search of graves of their fathers and for- fathers feel much disappointed not to locate these graves