When the modern education system in English was introduced by Lord Macaulay in India during the 19{+t}{+h}century, a Germany Missionary silently started a small school in Salem and provided technical education to six students. This was the first school started in the country for providing technical education and the man behind it, Rev. J.M. Lechler (1804-1861), was called ‘the Father of Industrial Education in the country’.
Lechler was sent as a missionary to Salem town who visited many villages and carried out development works. In his 21 years of stay in Salem, he mastered Tamil language as he was able to read and write the language fluently. In 1840, he started the country’s first industrial training institute on Bungalow Street, between Shevapet and Kottai in the town, which is at present near the CSI Boys Higher Secondary School premises. “In those days, technical education was not part of the regular education. But, Lechler started the school and provided training in carpentry and tailoring to the students,” said J. Barnabas, secretary of Salem Historical Society. Later on, many technical education schools were started across the country, he added.
In 1841, Lechler along with Assistant Collector of Salem H.A. Brett trekked to Yercaud and built the first cottage named ‘Melrose’ with the sub-burnt bricks. Thus, Lechler became the first European settler in the hilltop and several Europeans purchased land and built their houses later.
He along with other officers of Madras Civil Services built the CSI Holy Trinity Church atop Yercaud which is currently 163 years old. In 1853, Lechler built the CSI Church in Kottai area with all the construction materials made locally.
The church was renovated in 2009 and was named as CSI Lechler Memorial Church. The 155{+t}{+h}death anniversary of Lecher is to be observed on June 17 at his tomb located on the CSI Boys Higher Secondary School premises.
