The prestigious Madras Christian College

By Indian Columbus - November 23, 2022

Started as a modest school in a rented building on Armenian Street in George Town (rather, the original Madras), the Madras Christian College expanded into a strong and glorious institution. It is one of Asia's oldest surviving colleges.

Rev. John Anderson, a Christian missionary from Scotland, was a pioneer in introducing English medium education in South India. He started the General Assembly School on 3rd April 1837, with just 59 boys. Anderson died in 1855 CE. Four years later, the Anderson Church was constructed in George Town. Strangely, the educationalist Anderson's name is associated more with the church than with the institute he founded.

Rev. William Miller, who arrived in 1862, became the greatest architect of the institution. He upgraded the school into a college by adding F.A. and B.A. courses in 1865 and 1867, respectively. He renamed the institution as Madras Christian College on 1st January 1877. The impressive façade of the building that is found opposite Madras High Court, a well-known landmark of the locality, was constructed by him. His students loved and respected him so much that they erected a statue for him in 1901 when he was still alive.

When William Skinner was the college's principal, he decided to shift the college to Tambaram in 1919 CE. Rev. Gordon Matthew negotiated with the then Government and secured 390 acres of land from the Selaiyur forest. At last, on 30th January 1937, the prestigious Tambaram campus was inaugurated.

Today, MCC is one of those very few forests within Chennai city. Its well-maintained greenery area has more than 500 plant spices and 70 animal spices. The biodiversity of the campus makes this site a haven hidden amidst a polluted city.

Besides flora and fauna, the interesting architecture of old buildings gives an exciting heritage experience. The statue of Miller, the Sun Dial, the Time Capsule, and the Bell Tower are worth observing.

The students of MCC have left their marks in various fields, such as science, politics, history, economics and sports. The affinity demonstrated by seven generations of alumni remains one of the significant strengths of this glorious institution.

Happy travelling.