Restoration of St. George’s Cathedral

Summary Notes on St. George's Cathedral Renovation

Background

• Establishment: St. George’s Cathedral, Madras, was established in 1816, initiated by a request from Rev. Richard Hall Kerr in 1807.
• Construction: Funded through a lottery, the construction cost totaled 41,709 Pagodas, with an additional 57,225 Pagodas for furnishings and design; both local and European contributions were involved.
• Design: Architect Colonel J.L. Caldwell and Captain De Havilland designed the cathedral, completed in 1815.

Key Historical Dates

• Consecration: The cathedral was consecrated on January 8, 1816, by Bishop of Calcutta Rev. Thomas Fanshaw Middleton.
• Diocese Status: Became the Cathedral of the Diocese of Madras in 1835 when Bishop Daniel Corrie was consecrated.

Recent Renovation

• Duration: The restoration spanned 10 months, supervised by IIT Madras.
• Renovation Details:
  • Cracks in the roof prompted the renovation, with permissions from the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority’s Heritage Committee.
  • Damage included water-seeped Burma teak rafters and peeling cement.
  • Renovation saw the installation of state-of-the-art electrical and audio systems to meet modern safety standards.

Architectural and Cultural Significance

• The church has historically served diverse purposes, including hosting the inaugural Church of South India (CSI) service on September 27, 1947.
• It has functioned as a venue for memorials and distinctive gatherings, symbolizing a pluralistic spirit in India.

Restoration Specifics

• Utilized traditional stucco work methods for authentic restoration of large pillars.
• A lime mortar unit was installed on-site for superior construction practices.
• Restoration included cleaning and preserving 38 memorials made from marble, ceramic, and alabaster.

Notable Elements

• The cathedral is renowned for its stained glass windows, which were restored during the renovation.
• Contains a historic organ, obtained in 1857, now under repair for next restoration.

Contributors to Renovation

• Contributions were documented photographically, with efforts to maintain original materials.
• Involved professionals from various fields, demonstrating collaboration between engineering and heritage restoration.

Conclusion

• The restoration of St. George's Cathedral represents a significant cultural and architectural undertaking, reflecting the historical importance of the site and ensuring preservation for future generations.