Andhra Christian College

More than a century old Andhra Christian College is a living symbol of the great missionary work by the Lutheran Mission in Guntur. It was founded with a mission of providing highest type of Christian education. The motto of the college is “Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free”, which was taken from John 8:32.

Andhra Christian College traces its roots back to an Anglo-vernacular school that was handed over to Rev. John Christopher Frederick Heyer in 1842. The school continued to progress for few years but had to close in 1863 due to financial difficulties during American Civil war. However, the arrival of Rev. Dr. Lemon Leander Uhl, a Gettysburg college graduate who landed in Guntur along with his wife on March 26, 1873 changed the situation. He reopened the Anglo-vernacular High School on July 1, 1874. His commitment and contribution towards education was tremendous during his fifty years of mission service. A new era started on September 1, 1885 with the introduction of Intermediate courses and with the affiliation to Madras University. The school rose to a second grade college and was named as American Evangelical Lutheran Mission (AELM) College.

Rev. Dr. L. L. Uhl worked diligently in America to raise funds for a permanent building for the college. A major donation was received from the Watts family in Maryland in memory of their loved one. The then Collector of Guntur, Mr. A. T. Arundel, Esq. (the famous Arundel Pet was named in his honor), laid the cornerstone for the first permanent building on March 18, 1890. Acknowledging the noble gift given by Messrs. Watts, the building was named Arthur G. Watts memorial building. The building was completed under the supervision of Rev. L. B. Wolf, the first principal of college. The building was formally opened by Lord Wenlock, the Governor of Madras Presidency on March 17, 1893 and it was first occupied in October 1893. A few years later, Assembly Hall and other administrative buildings were erected. Mr. Valaparla C. John, familiarly known as Mr. V. Ch. John was the first Indian Principal of the College.

On July 1, 1926 a new chapter in the life of college started by opening degree classes with an affiliation to newly established Andhra University. Along with the cooperation received from Church Missionary Society and Baptist Mission, the college was rechristened as Andhra Christian College in 1928. During 1930’s Bachelors of Science and Bachelors in Divinity courses were introduced. In 1939 the Theological Department of Andhra Christian College was transferred to Luthergiri Theological College (Seminary) in Rajahmundry. From 1971 onwards, the college has been affiliated to Acharya Nagarjuna University.

The stone structure of A. C. College surmounted by a high tower has been a significant land mark in the heart of the city. Steeped in history of over one and a quarter centuries, Andhra Christian College has been the alma mater for many generations. Its alumni have distinguished themselves in various spheres of life and are spread across the world.