Rev. Christian Samuel Kohloff was from a native of England. He came to India and settled at Mudalur in 1839 as a S.P.G. missionary... Read →
Rev. James Kershaw Best was born on Aug 22nd 1811 in England. He came to India in 1842 as a S.P.G. missionary. He worked at Madurai... Read →
Four missions were established in tinnevelly namely; the society for promoting of the gospel in foreign parts (S.P.G), the church missionary society (C.M.S), and the church of England Zenana missionary society (C.E.Z.M.S). These Missionaries in Tirunelveliwere sent to Udangudi to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. The S.P.C.K’s aim was to promote education and to support missionary activities in the colonies.
The women missionaries served through these missions in Tirunelveli. Their aims were to impart female education, uplift the women and carry out welfare schemes. Rev. Christian Samuel Kohlhoff, The grandson of John Balthosar Kohlhoff and son of John Casper Kohlhoff was born on the 15th May 1815. He was ordained on 6th January 1839 and died at Tranquebar in 1881 completing 41 years of his ministry. He was one of the S.P.C.K missionaries at Tanjore who proceeded to Tinnelvelly and stationed at Mudalur.
While Rev. Christian Samuel Kohlhoff was in charge of Mudhalur (1839 - 40) several heathen families in a village near Udangudi were provided withChristian instructions. But before the people were regularly received into church... Read →
The village Udangudi was visited by the C.M.S. Missionaries, Rev. P.P. Chaffter and Rev. J.J. Mullar in Nov 16, 1832. These people were the first European missionaries to Udangudi. Rev. Christian Samuel Kohlhoff was born in May 4, 1815. He was sent to Mudhalore, a near by village, as an S.P.G. missionary. As there was a primary school in Udangudi, he often visited Udangudi and made the people to follow the foot prints of Jesus Christ. People of Udangudi loved this gentleman very much. They renamed their place Adhiyakurichi as Christianagaram to honour this great man. Under his kind care Christianagaram grew and has become a civilized place of today.
Rev. Kohlhoff died in Dec 3, 1887 and was buried in Thrangampady. Rev. J.K. Best was born in Aug 22, 1811 in England. He came to India, and particularly to Christianagaram, on Jan 3, 1844. He was the immense reason for the development of Christianagaram. In his period, St.Mark's Primary school was started, later raised as a high school. He wished to raise a Church to glorify the Almighty. In Sep 17, 1845, he began the foundation work for the chapel, St. Mark's. In Jan 26, 1849, The grand inaugural ceremony of St.Mark's Church was celebrated. In the hands of Rev. D.K. David (between 1949 and 1955) Diamond Jubilee of our church was celebrated along with the dedication of the Entrance hall.
The 150th Anniversary of our congregation was grandly celebrated with the new modification of the Entrance Hall during at the blessed hands of Rev. M. Appadurai in 22.4.1989.Christian Kohlhoff memorial stage was built and dedicated on the 150th Anniversary of the Innaugural Day of our Church in 1997 in the period of Rev. Lourthu Raj Jeyasingh.Religious tollerance was practically preached and followed by one of our noble priests, Rev. Pitchamuthu, who merged with Him as well in the hearts of our people while serving in our church.
Now Rev. K. Selvan Maharaja B.Sc.,B.D.,MSW is serving as our respectful priest. We feel proud of having I.M.S.( Indian Missionary Service) sale for the first time among village regions. The bell in this church was designed and hosted by the British people themselves. The ringing of this noble bell can be heared 5 sq. km's around. Even our clock has wonders. It is not only showing the time but also advises us by its valuable Bible Quots. Including many Pastrates, Schools, Children's Homes, Shopping Complex, J.K. Best Hall, St. Mark’s Park and a Masculine tower of 99 ft. height, the church has attained today's mighty great position in His enpire.
© St.Mark's Church, Christianagaram, Udangudi. All rights reserved. Powered by Global iWay.
