CSI Wesley English Church - St. Thomas Mount

There is hardly anyone in Chennai who would not know St. Thomas Mount. And all of them know about the famous church located atop the hill. However, there are a few other old churches in the same locality that remain lesser known. 

The English built the Garrison Church for army personnel. A new Methodist church was built in 1911 for those Tamil-speaking people serving the Britishers. Even before that, the English Wesley Church was constructed for the benefit of English speaking community. 

Located at the foothills of St. Thomas Mount, this church was originally called the Wesleyan Chapel. Elijah Hoole was the first Methodist missionary who could preach fluently in Tamil. As a result of his preaching at St. Thomas Mount, Mrs. Isacke, the wife of Captain W.B. Isacke, donated her land to the Wesleyan Methodist Missionary Society in 1827 CE. Thus, the construction of the Wesleyan Chapel was started on this site and was dedicated within two years. John Law served as the architect of the structure that was built in the Gothic style.

In 1949, as the number of worshippers dwindled, there was a proposal to turn the building into a school. However, thanks to the efforts of Mr. Whitebread and Rev. John Millns, that attempt was thwarted. Thus, the beautiful church continues to be the site of Christ's believers, even after 193 years.

Happy travelling.

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