Churches In India

St Andrews Church Chennai

On 6th April, in the year 1818 the construction of the St. Andrew's Church was started at Egmore in Chennai to serve the Scottish community in the state. Finally in the year 1821 the construction of the building was completed exhibiting an ultimate example of Georgian architecture in India. The building of the church has one arching dome which is highlighted with Lapis Lazuli and 16 grooved Corinthian columns that increase the attraction of the church. This church is also known as the Kirk. Its veiled foundation is one of the important aspects of the church. The church was sanctified in the year 1821and presently it is looked after by CSI or the Church of South India.  The construction of the entire building was guided by Major Thomas Fort de Havilland and Colonel James Caldwell for the welfares of the Scottish Community in India. The woodwork in the church is incredible and the black and white marble floor adds to the beauty of the church.

History

St Andrew’s, which is the 1st Church in Vepery is also among the earliest Roman Catholic churches in Madras, presently Chennai. The church also holds the status of being the mother church for the well known Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine in Perambur,Votive Shrine in Kilpauk, St Joseph’s in Vepery,St Anthony’s in Narasingapuram and St Anthony’s in Pudupet. Rev Fr Felix who was an Italian Capuchin built the old Church of St Andrew’s in the year 1830. The new church was built with more splendour by Msgr D Raju, the twenty eighth priest of the St Andrew’s Church (1940-1971). The construction of the new church took place at the same site where the old church had been constructed by Capuchin Father in Kalathiappa Street.

Architecture

St. Andrew's Church is counted among the master pieces of the Georgian Architecture in the whole Asia. The interiors of the church are decorated with ironic mahogany wood work. The floor of the church is being done beautifully in black and white marble reflecting the grace of the structure. The diameter of the dome of the church is around fifty two feet.  The dome is supported by sixteen Corinthian circular pillars. Blue shaded Lapis lazuli is used to elaborate the dome. Underneath the church around one hundred and fifty wells had been dug to lay the foundation of the entire structure. All the walls are decorated abundantly and the stained glass is highlighted exceptionally.

A narrow stairway leads to the roof of the church. A bell with amiable chime is located in one of the halls of the church. The tower of the church is situated at the front end. The lime stucco work is among the finest features of the church architecture. The building has attained an extra component with this feature.

Tradition

St. Andrew's Church or The Kirkbelongs to the Scottish Presbyterian tradition which is continued till date. It has truly Presbyterian worshipping form and governance system. The church is also free to follow any other traditions or order of service as used by various churches.

Worship

Worship services occurs every Sunday in the Morning at 7.00 am and main service at  9.00 am  and 6.00 pm in theevening.

Services are in English language.

The Holy Communion services took place onfirst Sunday at 7.00 am and 9.00 am, third Sunday at 6.00 pm on first of each month at 6.30 am.

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