Thomas Robert Foulger was born on 26th December 1896 in Hastings, England — a historic coastal town rich in heritage.

A consistent school topper, he earned 60 pounds (≈ ₹3 lakh) in scholarships for outstanding academic performance and exemplary conduct in exhibitions.

He left school and joined the army, committing his early years to serving the nation with courage and duty before answering God's calling for ministry.

Trained in theology and education by the Wesleyan Methodist Missionary Society, he was ordained Reverend in 1923. He sailed to Bombay in September and reached his mission field — Royapettah, Chennai — joining Wesley College, part of Madras Christian College.

Devoted to studying Tamil, he initially struggled — passing oral Tamil with 74% but failing written with 29%. After two and a half years, he became a fluent Tamil speaker.

At just 27 years of age, he was appointed Headmaster of a High School — a testament to his exceptional leadership and dedication to education.

Returning to London, he completed his M.A. in Education (4 years) to equip himself as a Teacher Educator. On his return in 1931, he began planning a teacher education institution — the seed of Meston College was sown.

Based on the recommendation of the Lindsay Commission on Christian Higher Education in India, he founded Meston College. The United Kingdom provided 750 pounds for equipment and 910 pounds for five years (≈ ₹2 crore). The college was named after Rev. Dr. William Meston — former Principal of Madras Christian College — whom Foulger called a "great leader."

Rev. Foulger launched the M.Ed. degree programme in 1943, making Meston College the first institution in Madras to offer this post-graduate teacher education degree, in collaboration with the University of Madras.

Former Principal Dr. L.D. Rabindradas visited Rev. Foulger in London, sharing love and cherished memories. The founder had named his London home "Royapet" — a symbol of how deeply Chennai and Meston were embedded in his heart.

Reverend T.R. Foulger passed away in 1999 at the age of 102 — a century of faith, devotion, and love. His body and soul had always longed for Meston. A life that touches others goes on forever.