The 154{+t}{+h}death anniversary of German Missionary Rev. J.M. Lechler (1804-1861), who is the father of industrial education in the country, was observed by the members of the Salem Historical Society here on Wednesday.
He started the first industrial training institute in the country between Shevapet and Kottai which is present day near to CSI Boys Higher Secondary School premises. Also, Lechler along with other officers of Madras Civil Services and others built the CSI Holy Trinity Church atop Shevaroyan Hills which is currently 162-years-old. To honour his service, CSI Lechler Memorial Church, a Fort was named after him. On his memorial day, members of the society led by its president Emmanuel J. Jayasingh, general secretary J. Barnabas and others paid tributes at his tomb located at CSI Boys Higher Secondary School.