HISTORY
"I will bless the Lord at all times and His praise shall continually be in my mouth."
A journey of faith, service, and God’s faithfulness spanning over a century of ministry, worship, and community impact.
The Beginning of a Mission (1856 – 1903)
- In 1856, three missionaries—William Taylor, William Butler, and Thoborn—were sent to India by the Methodist Conference in America, founded by John Wesley.
- In 1874, Rev. William Taylor established the Methodist Episcopal Church ministry among Tamil-speaking people, laying the foundation for what would become Methodist Tamil Church, Vepery.
- The evangelistic work flourished under Dr. A.R. Rudisil, and in 1903 Mr. Naidu became the first Indian Pastor of the church.
Building a Spiritual Foundation (1903 – 1931)
- Church services were initially conducted under a thatched roof during the ministries of Pastor Edward Issac and Pastor Govindaraj Gershon.
- In 1917, the present church building was constructed under the supervision of Mr. J. Kinham and dedicated by Bishop J.C. Robinson H.
- The years between 1911 and 1931 are remembered as the Golden Era of the church, marked by significant growth and spiritual revival.
Faith Through Challenging Years (1933 – 1966)
- Following a period of evangelistic setbacks, Asst. Pastor A. Samuel faithfully led the church from 1933 to 1966.
- As the longest-serving pastor in church history, he guided the congregation during a crucial period when foreign mission support was withdrawn.
- Rev. J.C. Wichchurch also served faithfully between 1938 and 1961, strengthening the ministry and congregation.
Revival and Growth (1963 – 1975)
Rev. D.S. Sagayadhas reunited families and revitalized church life.
Key milestones included:
- Golden Jubilee Celebration (1967)
- Construction of Alice Hall
- Revival of Sunday School Ministry
- Formation of the Church Choir
Under Rev. G.S. Mohan, Bible Study ministries began, and the church became financially self-supporting while expanding outreach to Menampedu.
Expanding God's Kingdom (1975 – 1995)
Under Rev. Y. Moses Selvaraj, the church experienced remarkable growth.
New ministry centers were established in:
- Padikuppam
- Madurai
- Tiruchi
- Coimbatore
Additional milestones:
- Training and sending young ministers
- Formation of the Madras District (1979)
- Appointment of Rev. Y. Moses Selvaraj as Church Leader and District Superintendent (1982)
The Madras Regional Conference (MRC) officially blossomed in 1995.
New Ministries & Infrastructure (1987 – 2008)
The church expanded its outreach to:
- Kallakuruchi
- Ranganathapuram
- Kakkanjee Nagar
- Dr. Rajaratnam Nagar
- Red Hills
- Chettipedu
Major achievements included:
- Launch of Methodist Malar Newsletter
- Platinum Jubilee Project
- Church Renovation
- Construction of a modern two-storey ministry building
A New Era of Leadership (2008 – 2017)
Under Rev. V. Anand Raj:
- Platinum Jubilee Building expansion
- Purchase of church land at Red Hills
- Strengthening of ministry and outreach programs
From 2011 to 2018, Rev. Andrew B. Natarajan led preparations for the Church Centenary Celebrations and expanded mission activities across Tamil Nadu.
Centenary Celebration – 100 Years (2017)
The church celebrated its Centenary Year under the leadership of Bishop Dr. E.D. Yesurathnam.
Highlights included:
- Year-long celebration programs
- Release of a commemorative Indian Postal Stamp
- Special Centenary Souvenir
- Renovated 100-Voice Choir
- New Organ and PA System
- Silver Coin presented to every church family
Continuing the Legacy (2018 – Present)
In May 2018, Rev. Sam Sudaliyandi became Senior Pastor and continues to lead the church with vision and dedication.
Recent milestones include:
- Release of the songbook Potri Thuthipom
- Dedication of Vasuvasamuthiram Church (Kalpakkam)
- Launch of Natchathira Iravu (Star Night)
- Growth in membership and outreach ministries
Serving During the Pandemic
During COVID-19, the church:
- Established the Media Department
- Broadcast worship services live on YouTube
- Assisted families affected by job loss
- Conducted relief and rehabilitation work
- Supported frontline medical professionals
OUR VISION
To be a Christ-centered church that lives a Holy Life and does Gospel Ministry.
Holy Life
Gospel Ministry
Kingdom impact
The Lord has been faithful through every generation. We give all the glory, honour and praise unto our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ alone. Am
METHODIST TAMIL CHURCH, VEPERY
Rooted in Faith. Growing in Grace. Reaching the World.