CSI Paramananthapuram

History

A Journey of Faith: The History of Paramananthapuram Church

Nestled amidst the tranquil surroundings of Panchamulativilai in Pandaravilai village near Karungal, Paramananthapuram Church stands as a testament to the unwavering faith and dedication of its founders and congregants. The roots of this sacred haven trace back to a significant juncture in history - the 4th of June, 1966. It was on this day that the visionary family of Mr. Arulanantham Yacobu, who served as the secretary of CSI Paloor Church from 1931 to 1941, and Mr. D. Devakadatcham, the secretary from 1949 to 1965, joined hands with the devoted members of the Paloor congregation to establish a place of worship that would come to be known as Paramananthapuram Church.

The journey to this hallowed establishment was a collaborative effort, propelled by the commitment and fervor of the community. The expanse of land owned by Mr. Arulanandam's children, namely Mr. Arulanantham Yacobu, Mr. Vedhanayagam, and Mr. David, became the foundation upon which their dreams were built. Guided by Mr. D. Devakadatcham, this collective of determined souls, including Mr. J. Chelliah, Mr. J. Rajaian, Mr. M. Sundara Dhas, and Mr. V. Thasaiyan, along with their families, embarked on constructing a modest thatched-roof church. It was under the prayerful guidance of Mr. Yesudas Mananvilai, a retired church worker, that the inaugural worship service took place.

A momentous milestone was reached on the 13th of August, 1967, when the church was officially christened as Paramananthapuram. Its recognition as a branch of the Karungal Pastorate congregation came under the auspices of the esteemed Archbishop Rt. Rev. IRH. Gnanadasan. The seeds of leadership were sown, and on the 7th of September, 1969, luminaries like Mr. J. Chelliah, Mr. D. Devakadatcham, Mr. M. Sundara Dhas, and Mr. V. Thasaiyan were chosen as the inaugural members of the church committee - a team that would go on to work tirelessly and efficiently.

The narrative continued to unfold with pivotal moments, each contributing to the growth of Paramananthapuram Church. On the 27th of January, 1971, a new chapter was written as a parcel of land, measuring 10 ½ cents, was acquired for the church through funds, at the present location of the church. This land was purchased at a cost of 2000 rupees and 38 paise. The second church committee, in 1972, saw the likes of Mr. D. Devakadatcham, Mr. J. Chelliah, Mr. J. Rajaian, Mr. C. Devapal, and Mr. M. Sundara Dhas collaborating seamlessly to carry forward the vision.

The cornerstone of the church, both literally and metaphorically, was laid on the 3rd of May, 1973, by Archbishop Rt. Rev. C. Selvamani. The edifice, constructed on the very ground where the current church stands, was consecrated on the 28th of January, 1979, marking a momentous achievement in the church's journey. This sacred space would continue to serve the faithful until the year 1999.

Noteworthy recognition was bestowed upon the church, ascending through the ranks from a B grade Pastorate Church on the 1st of November, 1983, to an A grade Pastorate Church on the 1st of January, 1996. Rev. E. Stanley Raj led the congregation during this transformative phase. In 1988, a piece of land adjacent to the church was procured, upon which the mission house was erected and subsequently consecrated on the 28th of January, 1989, with the blessings of Archbishop Rt. Rev. G. Kristhu Dhas. This era also saw the stewardship of Rev. Justin Devadas as the pastor and Mr. Devapal as the secretary.

The year 1998 bore witness to a visionary decision as the need for expanded space led to the construction of a new church. The foundation stone for this endeavor was laid on the 1st of February, 1998, by Rt. Rev. Kesari. The culmination of this project was celebrated on the 29th of December, 1999, with the consecration of the new church, an event graced by Moderator Commisssary Rt. Rev. D. James Parinivasan. During this time, Rev. Jacob Rosemani served as the pastor and Mr. Issac Davidson took on the role of secretary.

The physical expansion of the church mirrored the growth of its community services. A grave yard spanning 27 cents was procured during the tenure of Rev. Sam Christober. The church's commitment to community well-being took shape in the form of a Community Hall, a project realized under the leadership of Rev. John A Smith.

As the years marched on, the church embraced change and transformation. Reconstruction work within the church precincts and compound took place during the tenure of Rev. S. Sam Victor. A poignant moment arrived during the 50th church day celebration when the present Mission House was consecrated.

The spirit of outreach and service remained steadfast. A new chapter unfolded on the 27th of January, 2023, with the acquisition of 13 cents of land in Bethasamuthram village, Chinnasalem, a testament to the church's continued commitment to ministry.

In the present day, Rev. G. Robert Gnana Singh leads the congregation as the pastor, with Adv. D. Paul Bright Singh serving as the church secretary. A dedicated committee comprising Adv. D. Paul Bright Singh, Mr. R. Silbert Chelladurai, Mr. N. Russel Raj, Mr. D. Issac Davidson, Mr. R. Albert Daniel, Mrs. J. Pushpa Sobanam, Mrs. S. Selvi Ramachandran, Mr. T. Mohan Dhas, and Mr. M. Ramesh Varghese, works tirelessly to ensure the church's vitality.

Paramananthapuram Church stands as a beacon of faith, encompassing a vibrant tapestry of activities including Sunday school, Christian endeavor, women's fellowship, and a melodious choir. As it looks back on its rich history, the church continues to embrace its legacy while journeying forward with an unwavering commitment to spirituality, community, and service.

Branch Associations

Ministry is an activity carried out by Christians to express or spread their faith.

Sunday School

A Sunday school is an educational institution, Sunday school classes usually precede a Sunday church service. Sunday schools were first set up in the 18th century in England to provide education to working children.

Christian Endeavor

The Christian Endeavor movement began on February 2, 1881. After the Society was described in a magazine article in 1882, the Society grew initially in the United States and then spread throughout the British Empire and beyond. The movement peaked during the last decade of the nineteenth century and then declined as denominational youth societies imitated and adapted the forms of Christian Endeavor. The Society continues in various locations into the twenty-first century.

Women's Fellowship

Women\’s Fellowship is designed to encourage women to grow in their faith and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, develop closer friendships with other women, provide opportunities to serve, and reach others for Christ.

Choir

A choir is a musical ensemble of singers. Choral music, in turn, is the music written specifically for such an ensemble to perform. Choirs may perform music from the classical music repertoire, which spans from the medieval era to the present, or popular music repertoire. Most choirs are led by a conductor, who leads the performances with arm, hand, and facial gestures.

Service Timing

For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: (Titus 1:5)