Revisiting Rev John and his legacy

CHENNAI: Every year, Founder’s Day is given a moment of respect at the Madras Christian College (MCC). Scottish Missionary Rev John Anderson, who arrived in Madras in 1837 and went on to start what has today become MCC, is remembered by staff and old students. This year, being the 175th anniversary of the landmark college, Founder’s Day was celebrated on a larger scale than usual. Dr M Abel, a former principal of the college, reminded the large audience that gathered at MCC last week of the efforts taken by John Anderson to bring education to Chennai. “All this is because of the seed sown by Rev Anderson. Every brick that has gone into the campus represents tears and hard work,” he said.      As a special tribute, Paul Sabapathy, chairman of NHS Birmingham East and North and Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of West Midland, and also illustrious alumnus of MCC, made it to Chennai especially for the programme He reminisced about his student days here and spoke of his visions and suggestions regarding the betterment of the college. “We have a great alumnus, we need to play our part,” he said, announcing his decision to donate Rs 10 lakh to his alma mater in memory of his late mother. This was followed by a thanksgiving service in the place where the institution took its nascent steps, St Andrew’s Kirk, after which everyone paid a visit to the place where Rev Anderson was laid to rest.