200-Year-Old Chennai Church Opens Its Doors For Heritage Enthusiasts

Visitors got a rare opportunity to climb up to the church's roof to have a closer look at the tallest steeple in the city, the unique dome, belfry and the tower clocks that tick even today.

September 12 was a Sunday of a different kind for the 200-year-old St Andrew's Church in Chennai, fondly called The Kirk, as Heritage enthusiasts stepped into its campus for The Kirk Heritage Walk, a guided tour of the church known for its architectural splendour, rich heritage. It is a part of the Madras Day celebrations. Kirk in Scottish means church. Vanathi Gopalakrishnan, a Chennai resident of 40 years, had always wanted to visit the landmark church. "I was awestruck" she said looking at the iconic pillars at the entrance, the dome held by 16 fluted Corinthian columns and the intricate ornamental work. Visitors also got a rare opportunity to climb up to the church's roof to have a closer look at the tallest steeple in the city, the unique dome, belfry and the tower clocks that tick even today. "To climb the spiral stairs partly through the tallest 111 3/4 foot high steeple was an experience" she said. "The Kirk transported me to old Madras. Though Chennai has turned chaotic, this place has retained the old Madras feel."