St. Andrew Church Egmore
St. Andrew’s Church in Egmore, Chennai is also known as Saint Andrew’s Kirk. It is one of the ancient churches which bear great historical significance. This church was built by the Scottish Community that settled in Chennai city, during the 19th century.
St. Andrew Church is also known as ‘The Queen of Scottish Churches in the East‘ and the monument is one of the best Georgian architecture buildings in South India and Asia at large. Major Thomas Fort de Havilland and Colonel James Caldwell of the East India Company were responsible for the construction of the church. The church construction plan was borrowed from an existing structure called St. Martins’s Lane. The church is located near Fort St. George.
The church interiors are covered with rich mahogany wood work and the floor of the church is provided with a cheque pattern marble, that reflects the elegance of the structure. The dome of St. Andrew Church has a diameter of about 52 feet and there are 16 Corinthian circular pillars that support the dome. The dome is painted with the blue shaded lapis lazuli. The foundation of the structure has been laid by digging about 150 wells underneath. The walls of the church are bounteously decorated and the stained glass is exceptional. The roof of the building is accessible by a narrow stairway. In one of the inner halls is located a bell, the chime of which is quite pleasant. The church tower is provided at the front end. One of the best features of the church is the lime stucco work. The stucco work gives an extra dimension to the building.he pillars and walls are decorated with a relief of grapes nestled in leaves. The two enormous stained glass panels glow on the back wall depicting scenes from the Bible. They are examples of excellent artistry by ‘W&J Jkier, artists in Stained Glass, Glasgow, Scotland’. 15 enormous olive green and gold pipes are arranged in a beautiful vertical and lateral pattern to make an astounding organ. Behind the pipes, connected mass of levers, hinges, pipes, chords and beams are placed that made this complex instrument work.
Enjoy a visit to St. Andrew Church Egmore in a city trip to Chennai, India !!!
