is the oldest Anglican church (Church of South India) East of Suez and also the oldest British building in India. The church is popularly known as the 'Westminster Abbey of the East'.Construction was completed in the course of two years and the church was consecrated on 28 October 1680 by the chaplain Rev. Richard Portman. The ceremony was marked by the firing of small arms and cannon by the fort's garrison.

Closed on a Sunday 😭 such a beautifully made church, and we weren't able to look inside⛪ maybe next time😊

It's a beautiful monument place maintained very well right next to the secretariat. A lot of history is involved here. Serene and calm to pray during off parliament days.!

The St. Mary’s Church built by the British within the Fort St. George complex, is said to be the oldest Anglican church east of the Suez. It was built in 1680, for the families living in the fort to worship in. It was given a supposedly bomb-proof roof that could cause cannonballs to bounce right off. The church was consecrated on October 28, 1680, with Rev. Richard Portman and all other English inhabitants of the fort. “They say it was a beautiful day when the Governor and Chaplain headed to the church. They had lined up soldiers all the way to the entrance and people came to see the dedication service of the first Anglican church,” says Rev. Krubha, “We’ve had 112 pastors here so far and there were eight before the church was built.” The Chaplain’s House, which lies behind the church, is now a military station headquarters.

Built by British rulers in the 17th Century still remains purely old and strong. Carved Statues of Late. British Government bodies are the main attraction. Reading thoroughly each carving given a brief history lesson. Mass at 9:30 AM Visiting Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM

This quaint little church tucked away within the nerve centre of the erstwhile Madras Presidency and the present state of Tamil Nadu is more than 300 years old and is considered to be the oldest Anglican Church East of the Suez. Making it as old as the city itself. It has witnessed innumerable worship services, weddings and funerals. The Church building comprises of a nave and two aisles with a wooden gallery made of Burma Teak which housed the seat of the Governor. The altarpiece includes a painting of 'The Last supper' rumoured to be painted by the famous Italian renaissance painter Raphael. The Church building had the distinction of being the only bomb proof structure within the 17th century Fort St George. The rounded roof almost 4 feet thick so as to cause the cannon balls to ricochet and the minimal usage of wood contributed to this effect. The tower and the spire was added later. Today the Church continues to fulfil its role as a place of worship drawing in both worshipers and history buffs alike. A small museum inside the church comprising of old photographs, letters and documents piques the interest of the visitors who can take a walk through the city's history or choose to just sit in the old pews admiring the beauty of the old church or offer a silent prayer at the Altar.

It's a beautiful monument place maintained very well right next to the secretariat. Still remains old and strong

A beautiful church still available for worship. Visitors can visit the church week days also for it's architecture and heritage, however, no weekday services.

Oldest church south of suez. That's what I liked about this. A church of great historic value. Rest all same as any other church.

The St Mary’s Church is the oldest Anglican Church outside of England. Hidden away within the back streets of the fort complex area, it is an amazing building steeped in history. Part of its rich history can be seen on the walls, the names and the ties to the world. If you want you can sit on the floor in the church, pray or just page through the Bible in your own time. Lots of work has been done on the courtyard garden to tidy it up.

Wonderful old church. It has a spectacular marble interior complete with vault ceilings and stained glasses. The roof was designed to withstand bombing. Records that date back to 17th century are displayed. Can visualise the old world charm easily. Prayer requests can be dropped. Must visit.

It's a historical church, based inside Fort St.George campus, which was once a fortress. The beautiful view, the calm service, keeps our mind at Peace. This church is a bomb proof, so.its safest. Its sourrounded my Military base and hence the security, so a commoner to walk through has to go through security check. The ambience, the quietness, the lovely service, the people keeps us warm and make our day more happy. I love going to St.Mary's church

Place of heaven. One of the oldest and historical churches in south Asia. Best place to visit, pray and make a peace of mind. Many historical moments happened here. Sunday is a special day to get into this place and have a wonderful prayer time.

This is the oldest Church East of Suez. The Records Pertaining to Baptism, Marriage etc are still maintained. There are regular services (mass) going on. The staff are very friendly and polite and help you with details.

British east india company era church. An old place located inside the fort. Lots of plaques of servicemen who died in service in and around the world.

Religion what is exactly that? But I am always admired beatiful religious building Here... already 350 years old church seem so brand new but I can felt the flow of time by the wall&base. May I say it zeolite? may...

It's a really great place to get peace. Requesting Hindus: please don't get converted to Christianity.

Well maintained, historical church although quite a long walk to reach from the main gate when government business is going in the surrounding building. I was disappointed that there were not many frangipani trees around (as I had read).

Heritage church.... Maintained under archaeological team.....could see old pipe organ

It's a church located within the secretariat of Tamil Nadu. It assumes historical significance as the marriage of Robert Clive (of the East India Company) married Margaret Maskelyne in this church. You can see British architecture of the 17th century by visiting this place. It is open for tourists.

This is the First Church built by British outside the England . many beautiful historical events are owned by this holy Church .One of the pride place of Britishers. Historical notes (Built by Sir Streynsham Master, Governor of Madras between 1678-81, it was consecrated in 1680. The architect was probably William Dixon, the Master Gunner of the Fort. The tower was completed in 1701, a steeple added in 1710, and the obelisk spire, designed by Colonel Gent, in 1795)

Nice temple

St Mary's church is an Anglican church located inside fort. It's a very old church built in 1680 with tombs of many prominent colonial people. You can feel the vibe that how old it is.

I love this church.

Wonderful place

A beautiful church that carries a lot of history, and the building looks amusing with a stunning architecture.

This palce is just so wonderful. The entire church is so interesting and it well maintained too.

(Translated by Google) Ancient and wonderful place (Original) பழைமை வாய்ந்த அற்புதமான இடம்

One of best and oldest Church of sixteen century, protected by Arechology department. Well maintained and in best condition n use for prayer.

Great historic value, needs attention, and greater accesssibility to public

One is the places at George Fort. Good for one time visit and you will be able to cover up the place in 15-20 mins

Super

Very nice

ITS OUR CHURCH Back to home with my Kenya sister,Emily I have revisited CSI St.Mary's Church.. The Church building comprises of a nave and two aisles with a wooden gallery made of Burma Teak which housed the seat of the Governor. The altarpiece includes a painting of 'The Last supper' rumoured to be painted by the famous Italian renaissance painter Raphael. The Church building had the distinction of being the only bomb proof structure within the 17th century Fort St George. The rounded roof almost 4 feet thick so as to cause the cannon balls to ricochet and the minimal usage of wood contributed to this effect. The tower and the spire was added later.

The inscription by husband about sad demise of his young wife aged 19 years, Just two months after marriage. It squeezes the hearts of whoever reads.

An ancient church with important historical details. Peaceful and serene environment. Beautiful music and choir and keeping the Anglican tradition

Visiting St. Marrys church is like entering into 19th centuary British era. Its a place of collection of Modern History in the heart of Chennai. The painting that is placed at the church in the stage looks similar to the one drawn by Leonarda Davinci.

Probably best situated Church in Chennai. Architecture was awesome and its pretty well maintained too

Nice place, must visit

The most serene and tranquil place to pray. Loved the service. Meaningful prayers and wonderful hymns

Stunning colonial church inside the Fort St. George

Small and compact! Peaceful and serene!

Super place

(Translated by Google) There's nothing to see (Original) No hay nada que ver

It is very good devotional and harmonious place

(Translated by Google) Should be seen! (Original) Sollte man gesehen haben!

Good place

It's inside St George Fort.

Very old church, infact the oldest Protestant church in India . Very beautifully maintained and a serene calm place to pray and meditate.

The place is 329 years old and has a lot of history.Yale, the founder of Yale university was married in this church

Fine

This church is filled with history and architecture. Will visit again and stay longer to soak in all the history.

Nice place super

(Translated by Google) Churchung puliya andrum doder buimon fosara (Original) Churchung puliya andrum doder buimon fosara

Historical place in chennai

Oldest Anglican Church in town, must visit if you like old charm Churches.

One of the first church

My marriage took place in this church.

Nice atmosphere

Elegant &neet place

Wonderful church, situated in the Secretariat of tamilnadu, i amused at the infrastructure of the Church, well maintained garden,

Divine place.We get peace when we enter the church

I like it. Historical church, peaceful

One of the oldest churches in India. Well maintained and still used.

Okay Okay place.. It's very old & need some repairs. Govt ID is a must to enter as it is placed beside the state assembly.

Liked the place..Takes you back to 17th century

An beautiful church with a rich history. If you're interested in history you should definitely visit this church.