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Vision statement 

Madras Christian College aspires to be an Institution of excellence, transforming lives through education with commitment to service.

Mission statement

Madras Christian College (MCC) with the inspiration of the love of God offers to people of all Communities education of the whole person, which is in congruous with God’s revelation in Christ of the true nature of humanity and is appropriate to the needs of India and of the world.  Academic Excellence, Social Relevance and Spiritual Vitality are the core values of the Institution.

Madras Christian College traces its origin to the General Assembly School founded by the Rev. John Anderson, a Missionary from the Church of Scotland on 3rd April 1837. Anderson was a pioneer in introducing English medium education in South India. He was ably assisted by Rev. Johnston, Rev. Braidwood and Margaret Locher Anderson. Rev. William Miller who arrived in 1862 upgraded the school to a college by adding F.A. and B.A., courses in 1865 and 1867. Along with a few other Protestant missions in Madras, Miller transformed the institution and named it ‘Madras Christian College’ on 1st January 1877. Miller’s bold academic vision, supported by the generous contribution from his family members, old students and the Madras Government raised the most impressive array of college buildings and hostels (student homes) opposite the High Court complex. Miller was succeeded by worthy leaders like Professors Skinner, E.M. Macphail, Meston and Hogg.

The rapid expansion of the College and the congested physical space necessitated the shifting of the college from George Town to the 400 acre sylvan Selaiyur forest in Tambaram. The ‘great migration’ took place on 30th January 1937 with a thanksgiving service in which the Governor Lord Erskine participated. Professor Edward Barnes and his wife Alice Barnes, who lived on the campus since 1932, painstakingly shaped and nurtured the campus, by planting hundreds of rare plants, and carving out dusty roads. Swiss Architect Henry Schaetti designed the majestic main buildings. The College hosted the famous International Missionary Conference in 1938. Women students were admitted from 1939.