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which was totally restored between 2002 & 2004, is an architectural treasure which was designed, free of charge, by Captain J.A. Power, a retired officer of the Royal Engineers & a parishioner of San Thome. The church, which is 33 ft wide & 174 ft long, has several delightful spires, the tallest of which is 155 ft high. The original church here dates back to the 6th century. When the Portuguese arrived in the early 1500s, they found the church in ruins, except for the small chapel which contained the tomb of St. Thomas. They rebuilt the church, but on a small scale, in 1523, & it became a parish in 1524. This church did last until the end of the 19th century, but 400 years of wear & tear took their toll, so it was demolished & the present church was built in 1893, keeping the tomb of St. Thomas at the heart of the structure. Excellent church web site for more info: http://www.santhomechurch.com/in_chennai.php
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