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.