Waterfalls Pastorate

The CSI Waterfalls Pastorate is part of the Anamalai region of the CSI Tiruchirappalli–Thanjavur Diocese. Its Christian witness developed among the hill and plantation communities of the region, where the Church’s ministry has been sustained through worship, pastoral care and fellowship. Iyerpadi was the parent pastorate from which Waterfalls later emerged as a separate pastoral unit.

Historical Background

On 1 April 1979, Waterfalls was separated from the Iyerpadi Pastorate and constituted as an independent pastorate. Rev. Chinnapparaj became its first pastor. This was an important stage in organising and strengthening the Church’s ministry among the communities in and around Waterfalls.

Congregations and Places of Worship

The Waterfalls Pastorate comprises seven congregations serving the surrounding hill settlements and estate communities. Its worshipping communities include Nawamalai Church, Kattampaarai Church, Holy Mark Church at Waterfalls, Waterfalls Second Division Church, Attakatti Church and Waterfalls Third Division Church. These congregations provide places for prayer, worship, Christian fellowship and pastoral support. The ministry also includes a mission outreach in the Kattampaarai forest range.

Holy Mark Church, Waterfalls, is situated amid the tea-estate landscape and forms an important part of the pastorate’s congregational life. The churches serve families living in settlements spread across the Anamalai hills, where access to regular pastoral ministry and shared worship is especially important.

Pastoral Ministry and Community Life

The pastorate’s development has been supported by successive ministers and by the commitment of its congregations. Rev. Gnanarathinam is remembered for contributing land for the construction of a permanent place of worship. Rev. Jeyapal also served the pastorate and contributed to the development of its church facilities. A building initiative was completed in 1992 during his period of service.

The pastorate’s ministry has continued through the participation of church members, office-bearers and families in the hill and estate communities. Their contributions have helped to sustain worship, fellowship and the practical needs of the congregations.

Continuing the Mission

The CSI Waterfalls Pastorate continues its ministry as part of the Anamalai region of the CSI Tiruchirappalli–Thanjavur Diocese. Its seven congregations and mission outreach reflect the continuing Christian witness among the communities of the Anamalai hills. The pastorate marked its 75th anniversary in 2022, giving thanks for generations of faith, service and fellowship.

The pastorate continues to serve its congregations through worship, pastoral care, evangelism and Christian fellowship.