“Is this really the place?” someone asks. Yes, this is C.S.I. St. Thomas Church in Chennai. Its story began in 1916. The congregation has grown since then. It started as a worshiping community in Chennai. Initially, it was connected with Christ Church Alandur. Later, it was part of the Church of Jesus the Savior Saidapet. In 1983, it became a full-fledged pastorate.
In 1927, the Church Missionary Society bought land for the church. The location was on Aramanaikaran Street. The street’s name later changed to Abdul Razack Sahib Street. Now it is known as Abdul Razack Street. The church was first called C.M.S. St. Thomas Church. Mr. D. Solomon was appointed as Catechist. In 1933, the church was extended. Mr. S. V. Devadasan, a retired District Forest Officer, helped. He used his savings to renovate the church. A separate parsonage was built.
Alandur church, Pallavaram church, and C.S.I. St. Thomas Church were known as Alandur Pastorate. These three churches shared a chairman. They also had a pastorate committee and church accounts. Alandur church was the head church. Main events were held there. In 1947, several churches united. These included the Anglican Church, Methodist Church, Congregationalist Church, and Presbyterian Church. They formed the Church of South India.
In 1958, the original C.S.I. St. Thomas Church building was demolished. A new building was constructed. It measured 40×25 feet. Services were held in Gospel Hall during construction. The Gospel Hall belonged to the American Advent Mission. Bishop Rt. Rev. David Chellappa inaugurated the new church.
In 1975, C.S.I. St. Thomas Church was extended again. This time, it grew to 40×30 feet. Bishop Rt. Rev. Sundar Clarke dedicated the extension on December 13, 1975. The altar was inscribed with “Holy Holy Holy, Lord God Almighty”.
By 1983, the church membership had grown. C.S.I. St. Thomas Church became an independent pastorate. Rev. M. Karunakaran was appointed as Pastor. There was no separate parsonage at first. Pastors stayed in rented houses. Later, Rev. Chandran Jeyakumar Lite built a separate parsonage. Bishop Rt. Rev. M. Azariah dedicated it on January 30, 1998. During Rev. Dr. Bakthan Theophilus’s time, rooms were added for the choir and office.
In 2012, Rev. Francis Rajadoss oversaw a new building project. The new building measured 90×76 feet and included a balcony. Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. V. Devasagahayam inaugurated it on December 2, 2012. A new lift was dedicated on December 13, 2015. Rev. Paul Jesudoss was the pastor during this time. Rt. Rev. A. Rajavelu, Moderator’s Commissary, inaugurated the lift.
Today, C.S.I. St. Thomas Church continues to serve its community. You can find it at 12 Abdul Razack Street, Saidapet, Chennai. Its phone number is +91 44 24357887. You can also reach them by email. The addresses are info@csistthomaschurchsaidapet.org and prayerrequest@csistthomaschurchsaidapet.org. Contributions to the church are welcome. You can give cash, money orders, cheques, or online transfers. Consider supporting C.S.I. St. Thomas Church. Your help allows this house of worship to continue its mission.