Age does not wither the Kirk’s beauty

Originally established to serve Scottish soldiers stationed in erstwhile Madras about 200 years ago, the towering and magnificent edifice of the St. Andrew’s church is still a sight to behold.

Age has not withered the charm of this church, which is popularly called The Kirk (Scottish for church) and is allegedly among the 10 most beautiful Georgian buildings in the world.

It is a familiar landmark near the Egmore Railway station and is of the Scottish Presbyterian tradition. The building is reminiscent of British architecture and was conceived and executed by Major Thomas Fort De Havilland and Col. James Caldwell and modelled after St. Martin in the Fields, London.

The Steeple was built in four segments and at 166 ft, it is 11-and-a-half ft taller than that of St. Martin’s church.

The imposing dome, in lapis lazuli blue studded with golden stars to represent the night sky, the 16 fluted Corinthian columns, which preserve the dome’s balance and add to its beauty are among the numerous attractions.

The breathtakingly rich stained glass (brought from Scotland) window behind the choir stall portrays St. Andrew and St. Peter.

The pipe organ, one of the oldest in Chennai, erected in 1883 and restored recently, adds grandeur to the Kirk.

In his book: “European Architecture in India 1750-1850,” Sten Nilson writes: “From an artistic point of view, St. Andrew’s is undoubtedly the best designed church in Chennai.

The building was set in a large compound surrounded by a wall but with facades visible from various directions. The facade on the chancel side has striking ornamentation.”

The church was built and dedicated in 1821 for Christian worship. After 1947, there has been a significant increase in the Indian membership and today, besides the local congregation, visitors from different parts of the world attend services, thus giving the Kirk a cosmopolitan outlook.

“St. Andrew's Church is a wonderful edifice and a historical landmark. However, as we always say, the Church is more than a building.

As our motto states, the congregation members of the Andrew's Church are called to be obedient disciples of Jesus Christ and serve the community,” says Mr Dulip Thangasamy, secretary, Kirk Session “The Church is involved in numerous community development activities.

The Riber Memorial Day Care and Community Development Centre runs a pre-school for children, the Asha Project serves the disabled children.

The Church also has a Village Project covering the impoverished villages around Tirupalaivanam helping villagers,” said Pastor Rev. Peter Francis.
sivaprasanna@deccanmail.com [1]