Whispers of history echo within Saint Mathias Church. This unassuming church in Vepery Chennai holds centuries of stories. It began as a private chapel. The Chapel of Our Lady of Miracles belonged to Coja Petrus Uscan. He was a generous Armenian merchant. Uscan’s chapel later became Saint Mathias Church. The Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge (SPCK) acquired it in 1752. They paid 50000 rupees. The SPCK then consecrated the church in 1823.
Saint Mathias Church’s transformation wasn’t swift. It involved extensive repairs and alterations between 1821 and 1822. The East India Company contributed financially. Uscan himself helped construct the church between 1730 and 1740. He even built the stone steps leading to St Thomas Mount. His tombstone still stands. It’s in front of the church porch. His epitaph is in Armenian and Latin.
The church has seen much. Lady Munro wife of Governor Thomas Munro took a keen interest. The congregation of Saint Mathias helped build nearby St Paul’s Church. During French occupation French priests held services there. After the British repossession it became the English Church. Hyder Ali surprisingly donated 300 rupees in 1779. This was for building a chapel within the church.
Remarkably Robert Clive and Margaret Maskelyne were married here. John Fabricius a Danish missionary officiated their wedding. Saint Mathias Church is now under the Church of South India (CSI). The Anglo-Indian tradition of worship continues. Holy Communion is served daily at 7 am. The church’s history is rich and fascinating. It blends faith commerce and colonial history. Every stone whispers a tale of Chennai’s past. This is Saint Mathias Church a living testament to the city’s enduring spirit.