Location
St. Andrew's Church, which is also famous as St. Anrew's Kirk, is
situated on the Poonamallee High Road a few hundred metres from the
Egmore Railway Station in the Chennai city. Chennai city constitutes
the capital of Tamil Nadu state and houses great many architectural,
historical and religious attractions. The monument is one of the
best Georgian architecture buildings in South India and Asia at
large.
Overview
Saint Andrew's Church is sometimes called as 'The Queen of Scottish
Churches in the East'. The church was consecrated in the year 1821.
The church was built for the Scottish Community that had settled in
the Chennai city. The church foundation was laid by Doctor John
Allen in the year 1818. East India Company under the banner of Major
Thomas Fort de Havilland and Colonel James Caldwell were responsible
for the construction of the church. The church construction plan was
borrowed from an existing structure called St. Martins's Lane. St.
Andrew's Church thus portrays the brilliance of Georgian
Architecture.
Architecture
St. Andrew's Church is considered as one of the best Georgian
architecture structure in the whole Asian continent. The church
interiors are covered with rich mahogany wood work. The floor of the
church is provided with a cheque pattern marble that reflects the
elegance of the structure. The dome of the church has a diameter of
about 52 feet. 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.
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