Nadumalai Pastorate

The Christian witness at Nadumalai forms part of the wider missionary and congregational ministry in the Anamalai hill region. The church began in 1930 as a small chapel, serving the Christian families living in the surrounding estate settlements. The early development of the congregation is associated with the ministry of Rev. Philip, whose service helped to establish a place of worship for the community.

Historical Beginnings

As the congregation grew, the need for a larger and more suitable place of worship became evident. The church building was subsequently developed and improved through the efforts of the congregation and the support of church leaders. During the ministry of Rev. G. Gnanavasagam Iyer, who served in diocesan leadership between 1983 and 1985, further attention was given to strengthening the church and its facilities. Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. R. Paulraj also contributed to the development of the church.

The Church and Its Congregations

Christ the Lord Church, Nadumalai, is the principal congregation associated with the pastorate. The wider ministry in the Anamalai region includes four church congregations: Christ the Lord Church, Nadumalai; All Saints’ Church, Pachaimalai; St. Peter’s Church, Vellamalai Mattam; and St. John’s Church, Kanchumalai. These congregations serve families living in the hill and estate settlements and provide centres for worship, prayer and Christian fellowship.

The church community includes plantation workers and their families, as well as children, young people, women and men from the surrounding settlements. Their participation and contributions have sustained the life of the congregations. The work of the church has continued through worship, pastoral care, fellowship and the involvement of members in the maintenance and improvement of their places of worship.

Renewal and Diocesan Support

The development of the church has been supported by successive church leaders and the wider Diocese. The congregation acknowledges the leadership of Rt. Rev. Dr. D. Chandrasekaran, Bishop of the CSI Tiruchirappalli–Thanjavur Diocese, and is grateful for the encouragement and support extended to its ministry.

The continuing upkeep of the church and its worshipping life reflects the shared commitment of the congregation, the estate communities and the diocesan leadership. The church remains an important centre of Christian witness in the Anamalai hills.

Continuing the Mission

From its beginnings as a small chapel in 1930, Christ the Lord Church, Nadumalai, has grown through the faith and perseverance of generations of Christian families. The CSI Nadumalai Pastorate continues this heritage through worship, prayer, pastoral ministry and fellowship, serving the people of Nadumalai and the neighbouring hill communities as part of the mission of the CSI Tiruchirappalli–Thanjavur Diocese.