Church of South India
About the Pastorate
In 18th century Rev. C.F. Swartz sent some trained Church workers from Tanjore to the coastal lands in the South. One among them was David Sundaranantham @ Inaddai Muthu, native of Vijayanamapuram. Subsequently Rev. Ringle Thoube came to this region by walk to spread Evangelism. As a result Idaiyangudi congregation was formed. In 1841, Rev. Robert Caldwell came here and found only seven families. Staying at Idaiyaugudi for more than 42 years, he kindled the spiritual light of Jesus and established more than 50 congregations. He built the beautiful church named Holy Trinity Church and dedicated it to the Holy Redeemer in 1880. He established Elementary Schools and also Immanuel Hospital. In June 2000, the Dravidian Linguistic Association conducted an All India Conference and the local congregation instituted ” Bishop Caldwell Research Centre” for religious, linguistic and historical studies (B.C.R.C). The Bishop Caldwell Bungalow has been declared by the Tirunelveli Diocese as a Monumental Building for Dr. Caldwell Research Studies and Library.
There are eleven congregations in this pastorate namely:
- Dohnavur
- Holy Trinity Church, Idaiyangudi
- St. John’s Church, Arulnagar
- St. Thomas Church, Tharuvai East
- St. John’s Church, Tharuvai South
- St. Mary’s Church, Tharuvai West
- St. Stephen’s Church, Vellivillai
- St. John’s Church, Achampadu
- Holy Trinity Church, Illakarivillai
- St. John’s Church, Kuttam
- St. Paul’s Church, Tanjapuram
- Good Shepherd Church, Kadakulam
Important Festivals in the Pastorate
| Congregation | Dedication | Asanam | Harvest Festival |
|---|---|---|---|
| Idaiyangudi | Trinity Sunday | Monday in the Holy Week | July |
| Arulnagar | 42002 | 42002 | August |
| Tharuvai East | 41994 | 41994 | February |
| Tharuvai South | 42002 | September | |
| Tharuvai West | 41996 | 41996 | September |
| Vellivillai | 41999 | 41999 | August |
| Achampadu | 42002 | August | |
| Illakarivillai | Trinity Sunday | August | |
| Kuttam | 42002 | Holy Week | October |
| Tanjapuram | 41664 | October | |
| Kadakulam | 41774 | Holy Week | October |
125th Anniversary Celebrations of Holy Trinity Church, Idaiyangudi
Bishop Robert Caldwell built and dedicated the Idaiyangudi Church in 1880. We plan to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the church from 15 – 22 May 2005.
The tentative programme schedule as follows:
| Day and Date | Time | Program |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday, | 4.00pm | Inaugural Service and Baptism Service |
| 41774 | ||
| Monday, | 4.00pm | Inauguration of BCRC[Bishop Caldwell Study & Research Centre] Conference |
| 41775 | ||
| Tuesday, | 10.00am | BCRC Conference |
| 41776 | ||
| Wednesday, | 10.00am - 4.00pm | Prayer conference |
| 41777 | 1 7.00pm | Light and Sound Show |
| Thursday, | 7.00pm | Convention |
| 41778 | ||
| Friday, | 7.00pm | Convention |
| 41779 | ||
| Saturday, | 7.00pm | Convention |
| 41780 | ||
| Trinity Sunday, | 10.00am | Thanksgiving Service |
| 41781 | 3.30pm | Procession |
| 4.30pm | Public meeting | |
| 6.30pm | Fellowship Meal |
The following projects are to be accomplished during the celebration:
- Releasing of Bishop Caldwell biographical video film
- Releasing of audiocassette to commemorate the event
- Construction of mission complex at a cost of Rs.15,00,000/-
- Baptize 125 new members [children and adults]
- Establish three new congregations in non-Christian villages.
We request you to pray for all the programs and projects of this very important event. We solicit your esteemed presence during the celebrations. We also appreciate your liberal contribution for this good work.
Please contact:
Rev. D. Vethanbu, Bishop Caldwell Bungalow, Idaiyangudi-627651, Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu, India Phone: 04637-271408, E-mail: vethanbu_dasan@yahoo.co.in
Finance
