The visit to CSI, Christ Church at Palayamkottai,
Tirunelveli was part of “Tirunelveli Heritage Walk”, organised by Culture Circuits, from 11th to 13th
July 2025. Thanks to Balakumaran GS and Krishnakumar TK for arranging this walk.
Brief history of the CSI Christ Church….
This church is close to Clarinda’s Church. A
stone inscribed with 1856 is before the entrance of the Church. The British English
Military captains of the SPCK (Society for the Propagation of Christian Knowledge) bought land, built a small church, and prayed. Hence called the
Military Line English Church.
In 1826, the SPCG (Society for the Propagation of the Christian Gospel) bought this land and the Church from SPCK and
continued its service. But the cemetery was under the Control of the British
Government, for the same Rs 35 was paid to SPCG as rent. After a period, the SPCG sold the Church and the cemetery to the British Government. But local
Christians used the cemetery.
In 1848 CE, the East India Company received a sum
of Rs 3930 to build a new Church. So, they bought this Church with a cemetery
for Rs 1000, and Rs 466 was spent on the renovation of the Church.
On 23rd February 1856 CE, Chennai
Perayar consecrated the renovated Church and renamed it Christ Church.
From 1950 CE, Christ Church became part of the Diocese of Tirunelveli. In 1954, Rev. Dr. G.N. Kanthaiya took charge as Deacon. From 10th February 1957, Prayer was conducted in
Tamil by Perayar A G Jayaraj.
Robert William D'Escourt Ashe Tomb
Christian Missionary Cemetery is in front of the
Church. One of the cemeteries belongs to the Tirunelveli Collector, Robert William
D’Escourt Ashe. Shortly after, Ashe Durai was assassinated at Maniyachi. He
was laid to rest in this cemetery.
The inscription reads as…
Sacred to the memory of Robert William D'Escourt
Ashe
Member of the Indian Civil Service
Who, after sixteen years
Loyal and faithful service
Fell at the hands of a Political Assassin
On the 17th June 1911, when acting as
Collector and District Magistrate, Tinnevelly
Aged 38 years
This memorial was erected by his brother
Officers.
LOCATION OF THE CHURCH: CLICK HERE
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---
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