The 175{+t}{+h}year celebrations of Madras Christian College in East Tambaram commenced on Saturday with a thanksgiving service and inauguration of an exhibition of photos of the college, tracing its history and some rare images of special moments.
Celebrations commenced at the quadrangle inside the lush green premises of the college, spread over nearly 400 acres.
175 current and former students performed in a choir conducted by Arul Siromoney.
Rev Robert Willis, Dean of Canterbury, United Kingdom, was among the main speakers in the evening and recalled the contributions made by the founders of the institution. Rev Canon Ivor Smith-Cameron, born in Chennai and a former student of MCC, declared open the photo exhibition. He had also served as a Chaplain to the Queen of United Kingdom.
R.W. Alexander Jesudassan, Principal, welcomed the gathering. A. Besant C.Raj, Chairman, Board of Directors of the college, delivered a prayer for the college while K.M.Mammen, President, Alumni Association, read out a prayer for the alumni.
‘Millerenum mamanithar,' a Tamil translation of William Miller and edited by Gnana Chandra Johnson was released by Canon Ivor Smith-Cameron and the first copy was received by Mr.Besant Raj.
A book of worship, hymns and prayers for the College Chapel written by Rev Robert Willis was released and the first copy was given to Mr.Jesudassan.
Former students, heads of departments and principals and their family members were present in large numbers on the occasion.