CSI Immanuel Church, Ernakulam

History

The CSI[1] Immanuel church, Ernakulam, under the diocese of North Kerala of the Church of south India, was dedicated more than 103 years ago. The site, originally costing 56 cents, was purchased in 1905 by Rev. J.H. Bishop and the original church was built largely through his efforts, in memory of Rev, E.B. Russel who was the missionary of the Church of England in Travencore - Cochin from 1897 to 1899 and Rev. A.B.Sealy who was the principal of Maharaja's College. Ernakulam from 1874 to 1892 and also director of education of the Cochin State. A brass tablet in memory of those two missionaries was affixed in the chapel wall and the new church became known as the Russell Sealy Memorial church. Technical advice on the construction of the church was provided by Mr. Browning, son-in-law of Rev. Sealy, who was the chief engineer of the Cochin State.

Contents

• History
• Worship timings
• Other CSI Churches in Kochi area
• References

The foundation stone of the new church was laid by Sir Arthur Lawly, governor of Madras and the church was dedicated for divine worship by the Most Rev. R.S. Coplestone, metropolitan of India and Ceylon, at a benediction service held on 11th Feb 1908.

Initially the church was attached to Trichur pastorate as there were only a few families that took up permanent membership in the new church. There were therefore no pastors in charge of the parish from 1908 to 1927; the church was administered by the missionaries in Trichur and the parish duties carried out by lay workers, the first of whom was P. P. Lazarus of Trichur. The first graduate catechist of the parish was Mr. K.S. George. He was followed by Mr. George Koshy. After working as catechist for a few years, Koshy left to study at the Serampore Divinity College; he was to return as pastor of parish in 1952. In 1928 Ernakulam was made a separate parish with Mulavukad as its outstation. Rev C. K. John was the first priest of the new parish and served initially as catechist, but after a few years was ordained as deacon and then, still later, as the presbyter.

The church celebrated its silver anniversary in 1933 during the tenure of Rt. Rev E.A.L Moore, bishop of the diocese of Travencore - Cochin

The foundation stone for the parish hall was laid in 1945 by Sir George Boag, De wan of Cochin state in the presence of the most Rev Foss Westcott, metropolitan of India and Ceylon and Rt. Rev. C.K Jacob. bishop of the diocese of Travencore Cochin. The hall was, however completed only in 1950. The funds were raised by the ladies of the church, who had been given the responsibility by the Vicar, Rev N. I Joseph. The hall is named the Wescott Hall in the honour of the metropolitan, who served the needs of the congregation for over 60 years, it was finally pulled down in 2008 when the construction of the present church was under way.

In 1947, soon after the formation of the church of south India, the church established its youth league, now called the youth fellowship.

Worship timings

Every Sunday

Other C.S.I Churches in Kochi area

1. Alwaye CSI Holy Trinity Church, Union Christian College
2. Alwaye St John the Baptish CSI Church
3. Elamkulam CSI Christ Church
4. Fort Kochi St. Francis CSI Church
5. Kakkanad CSI Ascension Church
6. Kalamassery All Saints CSI Church