St. Peter’s Church

“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” — Psalm 126:3

St. Peter’s Church, Puthalam, is part of the CSI Hardley Pastorate – Udumalpet, within the CSI Tiruchirappalli–Thanjavur Diocese. The church’s history is closely connected with the growth of Christian witness in the Udumalpet region and with the missionary work that developed in the wider Dharapuram area during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Historical Overview

The Methodist missionary presence in the Dharapuram region dates back to 1881. Missionaries and Christian workers contributed to evangelism and to the development of educational, medical and community welfare initiatives. Their ministry reached rural settlements and helped to establish Christian communities through preaching, teaching and personal engagement with local families.

Puthalam was one of the earliest villages in the locality to receive the Christian message. Families in the village received Christianity in 1922 and 1925. The early Christian community grew through the efforts of local believers and missionary workers, and the congregation gradually developed a regular pattern of worship and fellowship.

The years 1923–1927 were an important period in the development of the mission, during which C. T. Hardy served as a missionary worker in the area. The Christian witness expanded through the work of successive ministers, evangelists and local members, strengthening the congregation and its links with neighbouring settlements.

A new church building was dedicated on 17 March 2013 by Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. R. Paul Vasanthakumar, then Bishop of the CSI Tiruchirappalli–Thanjavur Diocese. This was a significant milestone in the congregation’s life and provided an improved place for worship and fellowship. Further development of the church’s facilities followed, including the dedication of additional premises on 7 August 2016.

The church’s ministry and facilities continued to develop through the support of the Diocese’s leadership and the congregation. A further dedication connected with community service took place on 7 August 2018, by Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. D. Chandrasekaran. These initiatives reflected the church’s continuing concern for worship, fellowship and service to the surrounding community.

On 1 November 2018, the congregation was organised as a separate pastorate, having previously been associated with the Udumalpet circuit. The change marked a new phase in its administration and ministry. The first worship service as a separate congregation was held in November 2018, strengthening its identity and its responsibility for its continuing mission.

Continuing Witness

Today, St. Peter’s Church, Puthalam, continues its ministry as part of the CSI Hardley Pastorate – Udumalpet. The church remains committed to worship, Christian nurture, fellowship and community service, building on the faith and dedication of the generations who established and sustained its witness.