Saturday, March 18, 2017

Thachanallur Pastorate, Thirunelveli

Thachanallur Pastorate, Thirunelveli 
Thachanallur Pastorate is a pastorate which belongs to the Thirunelveli Diocese. Thachanallur Pastorate was previously affiliated with the Thirunelveli Junction Pastorate. It was separated in 2009 and emerged as a new pastorate.


Pastorate
Thirunelveli Junction Pastorate was segregated in to two. Good Shepherd Church was given the autonomy. Along with four more congregations Thachanallur Pastorate was established on 4 April 2009. The pastorate is affiliated to the North-West Council of the Thirunelveli Diocese. Rev. P. Swaminathan was appointed as the first Presbyter-in-charge for the newly formed Thachanallur Pastorate. Rev. M. Rajasekaran served as the Presbyter-in-charge for the Pastorate. Rev. A. Paul Jebaraj is the current Pastorate Chairman & Correspondent of Thachanallur Pastorate. He is organizing all the pastorate and church activities with the zeal for spiritual endeavor. Known for his cheerful and insightful disposition, he is one whom people look up to for inspiration.
Earlier the Christian people resided in a small town known as Thachanallur. They soon formed a group and began assembling in a TDTA primary school. The school belonged to the Thirunelveli Junction Pastorate. It was a church that was given the name 'The Christ Church' by Rev. Clement Duraisingh. Mr. P. Koilpillai was the first Catechist of the church. He is known to have contributed immensely for the growth and development of the church and is thus still known as one of the strong pillars and contributors of the church. He is still remembered with great respect. Members of the Christian community regularly gathered here for praying and worshipping. It is said that one day while praying the members of the congregation received a vision of constructing a new church for themselves. Soon various measures were taken to fulfill the vision.
A land for the church was chosen and brought near the southern bye pass road. Though the members had the desire to build a new church, they did not possess much money to begin with the construction of the building. It is said that at that moment Mr. Thangadurai Dhanaraj took the responsibility of catechist. Under his guidance the church was soon constructed and on 18 February 1996 the gates of the church were opened for the people for worship. The church was then re-named as 'Good Shepherd Church' by Rev. Clement Duraisingh. Later during the year 2006 Mr. Andrew became the congregation. Presently he still continues to hold the same position. Presently there are more than 100 families with about 450 congregants having their membership in the church. They are spread over a wide geographical area, extending from Balabagya Nagar, Melakarai, Azhaganeri, up to Thachanallur. For over many generations a number of families are living close to the church. 
Choir
Mr. E. Rajkumar is the church Choir Master his time is largely spent improving the quality of the choir members. Mr. Immanuel Victor is the first organist followed by Mr. Dhinagar Vivin Christlin, Mr. C.V. Rajkumar, Mr. A. Nirmal Kumar & at present Mr. S. Arwin. The Choir in this congregation stands as a leading figure to many of churches in the surrounding area.
Connectivity
Thachanallur is located at about 9 Kms from Thirunelveli, 156 Kms from Madurai and 156 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Thirunelveli and Nearest Airport is located at Madurai and Thiruvananthapuram.