St. Thomas Garrison Church

Have you ever wondered which edifice bears the distinguished postal address of Door No. 1 on the renowned GST Road in Chennai? It is none other than the exquisite Garrison Church of St. Thomas Mount.

Step inside the precincts of the Cantonment area where this church stands, and you'll find it hard to believe you're in the midst of the bustling St. Thomas locality. Here, tranquility reigns supreme, with broad, immaculate avenues adorned by trees on either side, and traffic remaining a rare sight.

In the late 18th century, the East India Company stationed troops and their families in the St. Thomas locality, leading to a growing need for a dedicated place of worship within their community. The request for such a church was first made in 1804 by Rev. Atwood, and in 1817, Rev. C. Ball renewed the plea. Finally, in 1820, the Company sanctioned the construction of the Garrison Church.

This architectural marvel began to take shape between 1825 and 1826, ultimately being consecrated in 1830 by Bishop Turner of Kolkata (formerly known as Calcutta). The church's design is said to be inspired by London's St. Clement Danes.

The Garrison Church boasts a roof that's impervious to bomb blasts and railings fashioned from rust-resistant iron, imported from England. Initially, the tower crowned with a bell from England graced its summit, although it has since been replaced by a smaller bell.

One of the church's most distinctive features was its multi-tiered spire, which, in its original design, would have ranked among the tallest structures in the Chennai vicinity. However, it was truncated to comply with flight paths as the Chennai airport is in close proximity. This fate is unfortunately shared by many heritage sites in Chennai, from the ancient Pallavaram cave temple to British-era monuments, all affected by various developments, including the recent Metro rail project. The Garrison Church, it appears, fell victim to the airport's height restrictions.

Inside the church, the altar features a beautiful painting depicting Jesus appearing to St. Thomas. The walls bear numerous tablets memorializing those laid to rest within. You'll also find several busts of British individuals.

The hall showcases captivating paintings of the other eleven Apostles, and the church's interior and ceiling exude a sense of wonder and spirituality that envelops all who enter. The exterior is equally captivating, adorned with four imposing pillars at the entrance.

Adjacent to the church lies a sprawling golf ground with a rich history. It once served as a battleground during a series of conflicts between the British and the French. On December 27, 1758, Yusuf Khan, also known as Marudanayagam, led an assault on St. Thomas Mount as part of these confrontations. It is recorded that this site witnessed a three-day battle, with Khan's forces initially facing defeat at the hands of Count Lally's troops. However, reinforcements under Achilles Preston arrived to aid Khan, ultimately inflicting heavy losses upon the French army.

Intriguingly, this site preserves a dynamic tapestry of history and heritage, inviting travelers and history enthusiasts to explore its hallowed grounds. 

Happy travelling.