Rev Anitha Christian who is the Presbyter at CSI St. Thomas English Church in Santhome is personally committed to serving God. She is one of the few women presbyters in the city. Women have always played key role in the Christian missions, in spaces like education and medicine, founding and developing institutions and communities for many years, now the church has carved path for women to be ordained to lead and partner in the ministries of the church independantly.
This historic, sparkling white church is one of the oldest Anglican churches and was built in the year 1842. Rev. Robert Carver was instrumental in building the church. It was named in honour of St. Thomas, an apostle of Christ who was martyred and buried in this area. It became a part of the Church of South India, Diocese of Madras in 1947. It was once known as ‘St. Thomas-by-the-Sea’.
The church is just a few metres away from the Santhome Basilica. It has around 500 members and is surrounded by apartment complexes. It is actively involved in outreach programs, including sponsoring children and supporting missionaries. It supports the Diocese in building churches and schools in rural areas.
The church has a school located within its campus. CSI St. Thomas Nursery and Primary School was started in the year 1985. It offers quality education to children belonging to the marginalized sections of society. The school is run by CSI St. Thomas English Church with the approval of CSI Diocese of Madras. The aim of the school is to improve the quality of life by meeting both the academic and social needs of the students, to instill right values and good habits in them and to inspire their minds.
The school endeavours to impart quality education to the students through trained and dedicated teachers. The Correspondent of the school is Rev Augustin Premraj, while the Convenor and Treasurer is Mrs. Gemina Martin. The headmistress of the school is Mrs. Annalakshmi. Children studying here, love this space as they connect, develop a community and feel belonged in all ways. Events conducted in the school display the pride and passion of both the teaching and learning partners of the school.
The school has grown in strength and currently nurtures 205 students. In its journey of 40 years, they are continuing to strive for greater success and foster a culture of innovation, discipline and holistic development.
Juliana Sridhar is a lawyer and columnist
