St. Paul’s Strides 168+ Years on its Grace and Faith Journey.

John Hunter served as a Director in the British Bank at Madras and in the year 1796, was gifted with a piece of land, which presently is the Church Campus. John Hunter resided at this place, and it was called the Hunter’s House. Hence, the Road down to the Church was called Hunter’s Road. This land, comprising 1 Acre and 87 Cents, with Survey No. 925, was purchased by the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel – SPG – Church of England for Rs. 8500/- on 22nd May 1853. The Foundation Stone of this New Church, designed by Rev. S. Percival, was laid on 9th February 1855 by Lord Harris, the Governor of Madras. This Magnificent Church was built in the Gothic Architectural Style by John Law. During the next three years, the structure grew into a Glorious Church, in spite of a Severe Storm in 1856, which stopped the Construction for a few months. The Church was opened for Worship on 19th September 1858, and Rev. John Guest was the First Presbyter of the Church. Later on 15th November 1858, the Church was Consecrated by Rt. Rev. Thomas Dealtry – Lord Bishop of Madras, who preached on Psalm 26:8 Lord, I have loved the habitation of the House and the place where thy Honour dwelleth.

Stone dedicated on the Church Foundation Day in 1858

Rev. Joseph Gnanavolivu took over as the First Tamil Presbyter of the Church on 22nd April 1893. He was a Strong man of Faith and brought many reforms in the Church. He was more involved in the Propagation of the Gospel of our Lord. While on his Faith Journey at Royappettah on 4th April 1897 at 8.30 p.m., he was heavily stoned and suffered from a Severe Head injury. Due to heavy Injuries across his body, he reached the Heavenly abode on 29th April 1897. He died as a Martyr for the Lord and laid a foundation for the transformation of Greater Faith in the Church. The need for a Vestry was very much felt by the Congregation, and hence the Vestry was opened and inaugurated on 15th August 1926 by Rev.E.H.M. Waller, and later on 9th April 1927, the Front PORCH was also dedicated. In 1933, the Church was renovated both on the outside and inside, and Electrification was done, and Lights and Fans were installed. In 1955, as a follow-up to the Centenary Celebrations, the Electric lines were repaired and advance Lightings and more Fans were installed in the Church. In 1959, as part of the Centenary Celebration, the inside of the Church was fully renovated for Rs. Twenty-five thousand.

The Restoration of the Church took place in the year 2025-26, maintaining the same Aesthetic outlook under the Heritage Category as an Edifice of our Lord’s Glory. The entire restoration of the Church was done under the able guidance of Rev. S. Samuel, Chairman and Presbyter – In – Charge of the Church. We wish to record our Sincere Gratitude for the Motivation and Kind Support offered by our Beloved Bishop, the Rt.Rev.A. Paul Francis Ravichandran and Bishop Amma Rev. Indira Paul in every phase of the restoration of the Church.

Striding with the immense Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, this Glorious Church has attained 168 years stupendous journey of Faith with Gospel zeal and is still pressing forward in strength. The Lord’s Holy presence is felt, with the Church conducting Communion Service every day throughout the year. The CSI St. Paul’s Church stands Strong as a Testimony imbibing Christian Values, Social Concern by sharing God’s Love and moving ahead with Religious Fervour – Glorifying our Lord Jesus Christ.