History Of The Church
FIRST MEETING
1986
First Meeting about having Church in Camp Road was held at St. Mark’s School, Camp Road. It was attended by Mr. R.M.Solomon, Mr. Joshua Arthur, Mr. C. Yesudhas, Mr. V. A. John, Mr. Alfred Raja, Mr. Edwin Soundararajan, Dr. S.K. Sunderraj and few others. It was decided to spread the message of establishing the church among all the people. Circulars regarding this prayer meeting was distributed by Mr. C. Chelladurai, Mr. Phillipdurai, Mr. Miestan and various other people to all the nearby surrounding people.
APPLICATION TO DIOCESE
1987
An appeal was sent to the Bishop in madras and also the chairman of the parent church with more than 400 signatures for the establishment of CSI Church in Selaiyur. A team of office bearers of St. Mathew’s church attended one prayer meeting and found that a church in Selaiyur is inevitable. A resolution was passed authorizing Mr. Joshua Arthur and Mr. V.A. John to take necessary steps to start the church in Selaiyur.
FIRST PRAYER MEETING
1987
After a long struggle, the first Prayer meeting was conducted by Rev. J.T.K. Daniel at 4.30 P.M.
FIRST SUNDAY SERVICE
1987
Approval and authorization was granted to start a church in Selaiyur and from then the evening prayer meetings were changed as worship services at 10 A.M on all Sundays.
THE FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
1988
The First Holy Communion was served by Rev. Francis Soundaraj at St. Mark’s School. Slowly with God’s wish funds were raised for purchasing Land for the Church.
CHURCH ON SHED
1989
After a hectic search, a suitable land was found, Mr. Arthur Joshua and Mr. V.A. John met land owner Capt Victor Siga to Pay Advance of Rs.75,000/-. Capt. Victor Siga, a retired naval officer who devoted his retired life for the translation of Bible/parts in many Indian languages was generous to allow us to erect a shed for the worship even before the land was purchased. God helped us to build our first shed for the Church and start the Service in our current location. Choir Members was led by Mr. V.A. John holding Cross and started procession from St. Mark’s School to St. Mark’s Church for the first Service. The shed was dedicated by Rev. D. Thomas , Vice chairman of Madras CSI diocese. Capt Victor
FIRST PASTOR
1990
Church glowed with the presence of God and we got our First dedicated Pastor Rev. Mr. Adam Moses who was appointed by Madras Diocese.
ENGLISH SERVICE
1990
It was decided to start English Service, with the efforts from Mr. M.S.K. Sunderraj and Mr. Arthur Joshua it was started on this day
FIRST SECRETARY AND TREASURER
1990
Church was recognized as a Separate Unit under Rev.Adam Moses as chairman, Mr. Joshua Arthur as Secretary and Mr. David Franklin as Treasurer. The committee members were Mr. K.Dhas, Mr.Wesley Roy, Mr. Dhanaraj John Pandian,Mr. Paul Premkumar, Mr. J.S. Anbu, Mr. Stanley Roy, Mr. Edwin Soundarraj, Mr. Wilson Samuel, Mrs. Aldrin David and Mrs. Indira Sundararajan. Mr. V. A. John was elected as the first building committee convenor.
FIRST CHAIRMAN
1991
Madras Diocese Appointed Rev. Mr. Ruben Jabakumar as Pastor and Rev. Mr. S.D. Sounderrajan as Chairman.
INDIVIDUAL PASTORATE
1994
Our Church was declared as separate Pastorate. Our Pastorate had Santhoshapuram Church as Sub-Unit.
FIRST ELECTED PASTORATE COMMITTEE
1995
The first pastorate committee elections were held. Members elected were Mr. Stanley Roy, Mr.C. Yesudhas, Mr. K.Dhas, Mr Wesley Roy, Mr. Dhanaraj John Pandian, Mr.Paul Premkumar, Mr. Bagavathy Stephen, Mr. Aldrin David and Mrs. Indira Sundararajan. Pastor nominated Mr. Joshua Arthur for St.Mark’s Church and Mr. Edwin Thanaraj for St.Luke’s church Santhosapuram. The committee nominated Mr.Wilson Samuel.
FOUNDATION LAID
1996
The lord had blessed the church and a foundation was laid by Rt.Rev.Masillamani to construct a church of more than 5000 sq.ft. It was a day of celebration.
PURCHASE OF LAND
1998
The entire area of 10 grounds which belonged to Capt Siga and Mr.Edward Packinathan became the property of C.S.I –T.A duly paid by the congregation of C.S.I St.Mark’s Church Selaiyur.
FINALLY THE GRAND CHURCH
2000
By the Grace of God and the enoumous support of the members lead us to build our Current Church at a cost of 45 Lakhs. The most significant task of construction of the church was entrusted to one of the member Er.Manoharan Samuel and he has done an extremely applaudable, excellent work.The new built church was inaugurated by Rt. Rev. Dr. V. Devasahayam.
FOUNDATION STONE FOR PARISH HALL
2002
By the continous efforts of the congregation members and committee members it was decided to build a Parish Hall and the foundation Stone for Parish Hall was laid by Rt. Rev. Dr. V. Devasahayam
CHURCH PARSONAGE
2002
Our Church Member Late Mr. J.B.Nargunam gave away his property to Mr. Johny Joshua, S/o Mr.Joshua Arthur by the way of will and it was donated by Johny Joshua to the Church,as per the wish of Mr.J.B.Nargunam which is currently used as our parsonage.
CONSTRUCTION BEGINS
2006
Construction of the Parish Hall started and contract was given to our Church Member Mr. Manoher Samuel.
INAGURATION OF THE PARISH HALL
2007
The now seen church Parish Hall was inaugurated by Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Devasahayam. It is being used for various church functions and family functions of the members. From there on the ministries and services of the church are continuing with the help of our Lord Jesus Christ and congregation members successfully.