Ship-shaped chapel, a missionary’s legacy

Singarathoppu is one of the busiest areas in Ramanathapuram is located on Madurai – Rameswaram National Highway. In Singarathoppu lies the St.Andrews Girls Higher Secondary School, inside which is a chapel in memory of Arthur Heber Thomas, a Christian missionary who had visited Ramanathapuram in the 20th century. The chapel was constructed which is in the shape of the ship. Since it is located inside the school, not even many residents know about the chapel.

Speaking about the chapel, V Rajaguru, President of the Ramanathapuram Archeological Research Foundation, said that many Christian missionaries from various countries reached the country during the colonial rule and one of them was Arthur Heber Thomas. Born at Warmsworth at England, Thomas reached Madras, now Chennai,  when he was 25, in the ship SS Manora and was sent to Ramanathapuram. He served at Ramanathapuram for three years and died of malaria in 1890. After his death, Thomas’ friends back in England decided to construct a chapel in his memory and after a struggle of 10 years, the church was opened for service in 1900. The chapel was constructed in the shape of a ship in remembrance of  Thomas’ travel to Chennai.   

Another key aspect of the chapel is that it was constructed with materials obtained from sea, such 

as lime obtained from sea shells and soapstone, polished like marbles. He also said that Thomas had written many letters to his brother in England, that speak of the interesting facts about Ramanathapuram. 

In February, 1888, Ramanathapuram experienced one of the hottest temperatures, ranging from 110 to 115 degree Fahrenheit. Also in December 1888, there was cholera outbreak in Ramanthapuram district and many had died due to the disease. He had mentioned these incidents in his letter to his brother.