Conceived and executed by Major Thomas Fort de Havilland and Colonel James Caldwell, the Kirk is modelled along the lines of St Martin-in-the-Fields, London. The church was consecrated in 1821 and since then, has been in the care of a long line of devoted pastors.

The church has several fascinating and exquisite architectural details. The remarkable circular interior is crowned by an arching dome, coloured with lapis lazuli. The dome represents a blue night-sky studded with golden stars. Adding to the splendour are sixteen fluted Corinthian columns that preserve its beauty and balance. The complex construction of the dome is also supported by an annular arch around it.

The graceful edifice is perfectly adapted to the climate; the louvered doors and windows allow refreshing breezes to cross-ventilate the church. Cool beneath one's feet is the chequer-board contrast of a black-and-white marble floor.

The superb artistry of exquisite mahogany woodwork is one of the Kirk's many charms and glories. The warm, rich and quiet hues of treasured stained glass at the altar is another.

The colonnaded portico gives an impression of great strength and power, lending to the whole an awesome grandeur, reminiscent of Solomon's Temple.

Another brilliant manifestation of the continuing vitality of the church is its great tradition of music. This has enormously enhanced the character and atmosphere, preparing people's hearts to listen to God's message. Enshrined in the memory of the congregation are the maestros, the Late Victor Paranjothi and the Late Padma Shri Handel Manuel.

This church of beauty and grace, a creation of the British Raj in India, is now a part of India's national heritage. Though the structure has been described as "the noblest Christian edifice in Hindustan", it means so much more to the people who worship in it, and to various others who derive comfort and relief from it.

St Andrew's is also a hub of activity and has entered a decisive phase of reaching out to the poor and deprived of society, considering community development as a vital part of Christian worship and transforming lives in many households.

Thus, the various projects of the church - the Riber Memorial Day Care Centre and Community Development, the Asha Project among the developmentally disabled, the work among leprosy patients, the Kosapur Tamil Church and Clinic, the work of Evangelism and the village project at Thirupalaivanam - have sought to help disadvantaged brethren. Commenting on this, Peter W Millar, a former minister of St Andrew's said, "We are not just an historic church building. As a congregation, St Andrew's is deeply committed to the hopes and struggles of the poor."

St Andrew's stands sublime, lofty and serene; a symbol of Christian endeavour, thought and belief. Placing great emphasis on high standards in ethics, integrity and ecclesiastical matters, the church has stood above strife and dissension.

In spite of regular checks and maintenance, the ravages of time have taken their toll. The Kirk is no exception to this natural process of change and decay and, its dire need of major renovation work, (the cost of which is mind-boggling) has only recently been met.