About
Built during the British period, Shepherd Memorial Church is city’s only Church inspired by Scottish architecture and is one of the oldest Church in Rajasthan. Born in Aberdeen, Scotland, Rev. Dr. James Shepherd (Born February 2, 1847 – Died March 29, 1926) a physician to the then Maharana Fateh Singh Ji, built this Church with assistance of the then State Engineer, Mr. Campbell Thomson (Born 1846 – Died 1924) who himself served as the Church’s architect and superintendent engineer. The Church was named “Shepherd Memorial Church” after Rev. Dr. James Shepherd. This historic church was inaugurated with its first service on July 5, 1891, and services have continued uninterrupted ever since. It played an unprecedented role in the response to the devastating epidemic that struck the region in 1899.
Rev. Dr. James Shepherd served in Udaipur for a total of 43 years, during which he made significant contributions to the expansion of education as a member of the Udaipur Education Committee. For his services, Rev. Dr. James Shepherd was awarded The Second Class and then The First Class of the Kaiser-e-Hind Medal.
Shepherd Memorial Church is a symbol of national harmony, and its faithful and devotees experience a deep sense of spiritual peace. Even today, this church continues to provide support to the nation and state on its own initiative whenever needed.
