Our First Meeting

On 16-07-2014 ten youth members of Ex.Methodist church Saidapet, during 1965- 1980, met in the Hotel Marriott courtyard, Teynampet, Chennai. Lter the name of the church was changed to Church of Jesus the Saviour. 

The main aim of the meeting is to educate the teachings of Jesus Christ among the non- Christians in and around Saidapet. 

The meeting was initiated by N Suresh George, who is working in USA. In the meeting it was decided to have a prayer fellowship in Surya Study Centre, #26, West Road,, West CIT Nagar, Chennai -35.on the fourth Saturday of every month.

In the presence of Mr. Suresh George the first meeting was conducted in Surya's residenc on 26-07-2014 between 6.30 pm and 8.30pm.

The opening prayer was given by Mr.Danny. To glorify our Lord Jesus Christ, followed by songs and praises for 15 minutes.The message was given by Mr. SuryaKumar on the topic " IF GOD BE FOR US, WHO CAN BE AGAINST US."Rom. 8:31.

Mr. Edward Rajan thanked and prayed for Mr. Suresh George who was leaving for United States of America, on that night.

The fellowship date was changed from the fourth Saturday to last Saturday of every month.

The meeting came to an end with a final prayer by Mr.Joe.

The contents of the message.,

God was with Moses, and Moses lead the people of Israel for 40 years from Egypt to Cannan.They had various problems during their journey, but God was with them  and He fought against the enemies. Lord was with Moses, spoke to him face to face as a friend.This is because Moses was humble and obeyed God's commandments and never deviated from it left or right.

Hence whoever follow God's commandments, and do not deviate from it, God will protect and be with him.   Ref : Exo: 33-11,13,19.  Exo: 20:12. Josh :1-5,7,8.Deut: 31- 1,2,3. Ps: 139: 1,,2,3.

History of Saidapet

History

Saidapet is named after Sayyid Shah (Sayyid Musalman Sahib), a high-ranking 18th-century official of the court of the Nawab of Arcot. The then Nawab of Arcot gifted these parts to Sayyid Shah in 1730. However, Saidapet at that time also included Kotturpuram and Nandanam.

The Maraimalai Adigal Bridge (previously the Marmalong Bridge) connects the northern banks of the Adyar river with the south. This bridge was originally built in 1726 by Coja Petrus Uscan. The dilapidated old bridge was replaced by a new one in the 1960s built as part of the reconstruction and modernization efforts.

Saidapet was obtained by the British East India Company in the 1700s along with the jaghir of Chingleput. From 1859 to 1947, Saidapet served as the district headquarters of Chingleput District. In 1947, the headquarters was shifted to Chengalpattu. Saidapet was included in Madras city during 1945-46 and since then forms a part of the corporation. Saidapet had a large weaver population and handlooms were in operation as late as 1990. It was quite notorious for filariasis in the olden day.

Churches

C.S.I St. Thomas Church

Saidapet has about seven churches, Our Lady of Good Health church has a congregation of 1000 families and is situated on LDG street, theNLAG Church^[1] is situated across the bridge. It is the biggest Assembly of God church in Tamil Nadu. C.S.I Church of Jesus the Savior located in prime location in Saidapet was congregated in 1902 and one among the oldest congregation in Chennai. C.S.I St.Thomas Church located in Saidapet is 85 years old with 400 families as its members. It was re-constructed in 2012.^[2]

Little Mount Church

A few meters south of the MaraiMalai Adigalar Bridge is the hill formation called Little Mount. On top of this mountain is a church dedicated to Our Lady of Good Health. The original church was built by the Portuguese in 1551 AD. The new church was built after demolishing a part of old church in 1970s. It is believed that St. Thomas the Apostle lived in a cave under the Church, which is well preserved even today. The Church holds an annual festival in honor of Our Lady on the fifth Saturday of Easter. Recently, this Church was elevated to the status of a Shrine.

Community Halls

St. Thomas Community Hall

This hall is located opposite Our Lady of Good Health church and is run by the church officials. The hall in the first floor has a capacity of about 250 people and the dining hall on the ground floor can seat about 70 people. Car parking is inadequate inside the compound. Cars are usually parked outside the compound in the land belonging to church.

Politics

Saidapet assembly constituency is part of Chennai South (Lok Sabha constituency). It occupies an important place in Tamil Nadu politics being the starting place for election rallies. Karunanidhi was once elected from this constituency.

C.S.I. Church Of Jesus the Saviour, Saidapet