Sirukundra Pastorate

Historical Background

The CSI Sirukundra Pastorate was formed in 1981, following its separation from the Valparai Town Pastorate. Its ministry serves three principal congregational centres in the Anamalai hills: Sirukundra, Singkona and Periya Kallar. Worship and fellowship have been sustained through church buildings and, at different periods, through arrangements made available by the local estate communities.

Christ the Lord Church, Sirukundra

The early development of Christ the Lord Church, Sirukundra, included the construction of a chapel in 1973. The work was undertaken through the efforts of the church leadership and the congregation. The building, measuring approximately 20 feet by 40 feet, became a place of worship for the community and was brought into use in 1981. The land for the church was made available through the estate.

The church has continued to be maintained and improved through the commitment of its members and the support of successive church leaders. Its development reflects the perseverance of the Christian community in establishing a permanent place of worship in the hill settlement.

Christ the Lord Church, Singkona

A small chapel was built at Singkona in 1980 during the ministry of Rev. G. Gnanavasagam Iyer. The chapel was renovated and rededicated on 14 March 1999 by Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. R. Paulraj. Further renovation was undertaken in 2018, and the church was rededicated by Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. D. Chandrasekaran. These developments reflect the continuing care of the congregation for its place of worship.

St. Peter’s Church, Periya Kallar

Christian ministry in the Periya Kallar estate community developed alongside the growth of the estate’s educational and community life. During the 1970s, church workers and ministers from the Valparai Town area visited the settlement and conducted worship and pastoral ministry. A church building was subsequently established through the efforts of the local community and the church leadership.

The church was consecrated on 21 December 1977 by Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Solomon Doraisamy. It has continued to serve the Christian families of Periya Kallar as a centre for worship, prayer and fellowship.

Continuing the Mission

The CSI Sirukundra Pastorate continues its ministry through its three congregational centres: Sirukundra, Singkona and Periya Kallar. The churches stand as expressions of the faith, perseverance and shared commitment of the people living in the Anamalai estate communities. Through worship, pastoral care and fellowship, the pastorate remains part of the wider mission of the CSI Tiruchirappalli–Thanjavur Diocese.