Church History

When India was under British rule, the country attracted significant attention from various foreign missionary societies. As a result, by the late 18th century, several missionary organizations began sending their missionaries to India. Notably, the Wesleyan Methodist Missionary Society from London and the Church of Scotland Mission were actively engaged in missionary work.

The Wesleyan Methodist Missionary Society rapidly expanded its evangelistic and social service activities. Recognizing the significance of missionary efforts, Lady Selvi Lavinia Georgiana Lambert, generously donated 8.4 acres of agricultural land in Virugambakkam which they had previously acquired in remembrance of her brother Mr.Edwin Lambert. This donation was officially made to the Wesleyan Methodist Mission on February 2, 1888. At that time, Rev. James Cooling was serving as the mission’s head and played a key role in overseeing this development.

As a result of efforts to unite various missionary-established churches in South India, several denominations, including the Anglican Church, the Methodist Church, and the already existing South Indian United Church (SIUC), came together to form a unified church. This union led to the establishment of the Church of South India (CSI) on September 27, 1947.

At the time of this merger, the 8.4-acre land that had been previously donated to the Wesleyan Methodist Mission was officially transferred to the Church of South India Trust Association (C.S.I.T.A.).

Since the land was originally donated by Lady Lavinia Georgiana Lambert, the newly developed residential area was named “Lambert Nagar” to honour her. Out of the total 8.4 acres, 13 grounds were set aside for community or institutional use, while the remaining plots were sold.

As the number of Christian families in the area steadily grew, the need for a nearby place of worship became evident. At that time, residents had to travel long distances to attend church services. Some worshipped at C.S.I. St. George’s Cathedral, while others went to C.S.I. Tucker Church in Broadway or C.S.I. Resurrection Church in Kodambakkam.

From 1969 to 1970, Mr. P.T. Rasalam, who resided in Baskar Colony in Saligramam, took the initiative to hold worship services in his own home. His efforts were fully supported and encouraged by Former Bishop the Late Rev. M. Azariah.

By 1971, a portion of the 13 grounds of church land was allocated for building a place of worship. With the support of the Kodambakkam Pastorate, a temporary thatched-roof structure was constructed. The church was consecrated by Bishop Wesley Newbegin, marking the beginning of worship services in this location.

In the year 1975, the Virugambakkam Church was administratively transferred from the Kodambakkam Pastorate and merged with the Ashok Nagar Pastorate. At that time, Rev. D.I. Vedanayagam was serving as the presbyter of the Ashok Nagar Pastorate.

Under his guidance, efforts to construct a new church building began in 1976. On September 11, 1976, Bishop Rt. Rev. S. Sundar Clarke laid the foundation stone for the church.

On August 27, 1978, the church building was officially dedicated by Bishop Rt. Rev. S. Sundar Clarke. Since then, this significant event has been commemorated annually as the church anniversary. By the time of the church’s dedication, around 100 families had become active members of the Virugambakkam Church.

Following this, In 1983, the church was elevated to the status of an independent pastorate. In response to space constraints, a decision was made to expand the church building. The expansion work was successfully completed, and on August 28, 1988 (the 10th anniversary), the newly extended church was dedicated by Bishop Rt. Rev. H.S. Thanaraj with his blessings and support.

A few years later, as the congregation continued to grow, further expansion became necessary. This expanded structure was dedicated in 1993, marking another milestone in the church’s history.

“In 2021, we celebrate our Golden Jubilee, marking 50 years of steadfast faith, transformative service, and an ever-expanding community of believers over many decades.”