CSI Bethel Church Vellore

Bethel church History
1.Origin-Mission work:
Dr. Henry Martin scudder, the eldest son of Dr. John Scudder who came from America to do medical work in the lasty years of the last 19th century, climbed on top of vellore hill fort. He took a deep look at the town of vellore and its surroundings. He realised that the door to the gospel of Jesus was open in vellore and prayed. His prayers were herd. In 1853 the birth of “American Arcot Mission” was established. The church was established at vellore on Sunday January 28, 1855. This became the central temple for all the churches.
2. The Origin of Bethel Pastorate:
During the centenary of American Arcot Mission held in May 1953, the church leaders and the     missionaries decided to divide the “central temple” into two. So that the kingdom of God could be expanded and the congregations could grow even more. A new parish called the “Bethel” was established on 20.07.1953, separated from the mother church, Central church. It was consecrated and inaugurated by the then Archbishop of Chennai Mr. David Chellapa. From the day and construction of the temple, the prayers of the lord were held at seminary in the mission compound were taking place in the church.  Arulthiru.C.R. Veeranga, Arivar. John H. Peet, Hon, A. Arulappan, Arulthiru. Ebenezer Tychicus,              Arulthiru. E.R.Isaac, Mr. Titus Ebenezer, Mr. I.J. Rajamanicam, Mr. D. Selvanayagam and families of theological training students
Mr. Balasundarm, Mr. Samuel, Mr. Sigamani lived in Sainathapuram. Mr.Moses, Mr.Antony,Mr.Appavu, Mr. Daniel, Mr. Simon, Mr. Ammani Amma and some other families were present in the church with about 50 members. Late. Arulthiru. M. Swami Pillai was appointed as the first pastor of bethel church. After the establishment of bethel church, the bethel pastorate was formed by merging the Gram Sabhas of Bagayam, Ariyur, salamanatham, chittheri, pennathur, edanyansathu, and Usur.
3.The formation first Pastorate committee (1953-1954)
Arulthiru. M. Swami Pillai, Arulthiru. Arivar C.R. Veeranga, Arulthiru. A. Arulappan, E. Tychicus, Mr. E.R. Isacc (Treasurer) Mr. K. Titus Ebenezar, Mr. D. Moses, Mr. D. Aseervatham, Mr. Yovan, Mr. Selvanayagam (secretary), Mrs. B. Bedford, Mr. I.J. Rajamanikam. Bethel was a growing church. Arulthiru. RCA missionary. Arivar. C.R. Veerangan named our temple “Bethel”.

4. Pastor’s Residence (Construction, Extension and Renovation):
After the construction of the church was completed, God provided a way to build a pastor’s house at a cost of Rs.17,000 mostly with the help of the outsiders. The work of laying the corner stone started on 31.05.1964 by the pastor of congregation. The pastor’s house was completed in 1965 when former Chennai Archbishop. Rev. Sundar Clarke was the head pastor and former Chennai Archbishop. Rev. M. Azaria was the assistant pastor. Engineer Mr. Maduram Savarirayan’s work on this construction is commendable. 1965 under the leadership of pastor Y. James Pragasam the preacher’s house built in the year has been repaired and renovated on 20.09.1986. Archbishop. J. Sam Ponniah consecrated by them. Again, one more room was constructed,
repaired and renovated in the Episcopal House and consecrated by Archbishop. Arulthiru. Y. Williams under the leadership of Rev. Arnold Joseph on 08.07.2006. Under the leadership of Rev. Y. John Basker, a master room was constructed at the cost of Rs. 6,50,000/- and further repairs were made in the
Bishopric on 21.09.2014. consecrated by A. Rajavelu. Presently the pastor’s house is well equipped with all facilities.
5.Bethel New Churches:
Seminary Church:
When Bethel Church was formed in 1953, due to the lack of a separate church for prayer, our congregation held services from 1953 to 1957 at Vellore, Sainathapuram. They were held in the seminary temple in the mission compound. All events of the council were held there.
First Church (1957): Congregation formed at Bethel they grew considerably in numbers and spirit.
So, they realized their permanent need for a place of prayer. A 60’x30′ size of church is made of Mangalore tiles was constructed in 1957 at a cost of  Rs.7,500/- due to the tireless efforts of the above-mentioned leaders.
New Church (22.12.1973):
Timessx rolled on Council developed. Membership increased. The congregation started with 10 families and grew to over 450. The need for a new temple was felt. By God’s abundant blessings the present Bethel Temple was completed in a very simple modern architectural structure at a cost of Rs.1.30,000/-.
The foundation stone laying ceremony for this church was conducted on 24.02.1957 by R. C. A. Missionary Rev. Dr. E. R. Veeranga. Lazarus, who was the assistant archbishop of Chennai Archdiocese, started the work by digging the first soil in 1971. put Ex-Archbishop Rev. Leslie New Begin consecrated on 22.12.1973. W. Jesus. Rev. D. Lazarus, Mr. T. B. Amos. The invaluable work of Mr. IJ Rajamanickam and the new temple building team including Mr. J. Thanasingh and Mr. M. Sundaram is special.
New Church Construction (2015):
As the number of members of the congregation is more than 1500, even though the space in the existing church is not enough, all arrangements are being made to build a new, bigger and beautiful church in view of future growth. It will be completed soon with the support of God Willing Church.
6. Mission of Village Churches:
Church of Pennathur Village Council (22.01.1979): From Bethal pastorate a new church was built in pennathur village with the help of the funds from the bethel church. On 22.01.1979 the temple was consecrated by the priest. People started to worship God with joy. Edayanpatti (Murugannagar) Temple Work (17.06.1984): In the year 1964 created by us (Idiyanpatti Murugam Nagar) Grama Sabha did not have a church. So, the praise and worship were conducted in a private house. So a new church was completed at a cost of Rs.47,000/- and named as “Meetpar Alayam” was consecrated on 17.06.1984 by Archbishop J. Sam Ponnaiah. Late. Thiru. Joyce Panneerselvam family built the clock tower for the
temple at their own expense. 25 families and others are now worshiping God in this church which was started with families.
Ariyur Gram Sabha Temple (22.12.1989):
In 1939, Ariyur Gram Sabha which was under Central pastorate was then merged with bethel pastorate. Since there was no separate church at that time, Sunday services held in the school building itself. The “Holy Paul” church built as a concrete church with the help of the parishioners and the Mother Church
was inaugurated on 22.12.1989 by Ms. Dora Boomstra, the last missionary of the RCA, to be consecrated by Archbishop R.D. Bhaskaran, Currently 34 families are worshiping God.
St. John’s Shrine, Malaikodi (11.05.2004):
The people of the congregation in Malaikodi area had to walk and participate in the Sunday services at the Ariyur temple itself. Realizing this difficulty, Mother Church Bethel Church purchased a land at Malaikodi for Rs.82,165/- on 28.03.2001 and with the help of the congregation and Mr. George Stephen, built a beautiful church and named it as “St. John” Church on 11.05.2004. It was opened by Mr. George Stephen, Treasurer of the Archdiocese of the day, to be consecrated by Rev. Y.William. The church which started with seven families has grown to 16 families and others are worshiping God.
Bagayam:
Only for our congregation people living in Bagayam area as there was no church, Sunday services were held in the chapel of the Christian Medical College. The preacher and Bethel elders there will go and lead the worship. After Bagayam was divided into pastorate, the Mother Church financed the
construction of a separate church for them. Village Schools – Theological Education: From the Central Church in 1953, Ariyur was in the congregation when Bethel pastorate was divided. MD Primary School, Salamanatham and MD primary
school Ariyur was also handed over to us. The pastor of bethel congregation is in charge of school administration and activities that he was taking care. Jubilee Prayer Hall Opening Ceremony: Bethel Jubilee Jeba Mandam (22.12.1998): Wedding receptions, memorial gatherings for the social welfare of the parish in the mid-1980s. With the longing that we did not have a building to hold prayer meetings, a plan was born to build a large multi-purpose hall in the Bethel church complex. The congregation itself bore the entire cost. Although eight years have passed since the work started in 1990, today the Bethel Jubilee Prayer Hall stands majestically in this complex. The foundation stone was laid on 21.10.1990 by
Archbishop Reverend R. D. Bhaskaran and on 21.09.1997 the stage was consecrated by RCA Missionary Dr. Eugene Hydaman. On 22.12.1998 Silver Jubilee of New Bethel Temple (Silver Jubilee) Archbishop Rev. It was inaugurated by scholar RD Bhaskaran. Arulthiru. Y. James Prakasam and
Arulthiru. S. Winsor Karunakaran played a great role. Bethel Diamond Jubilee Hall (10.02.2012): Beautification of Jubilee Hall and Dining Hall at the end of 2011. For the purpose of expansion, it was felt that a mini-mandapam was needed near the dinning and the work was started and completed and it was consecrated and inaugurated on 10.02.2012 by Archbishop Y. William. These works were completed in the diamond jubilee year of the congregation and a new mini hall was built and named Diamond Jubilee Prayer Hall in its honor. Arulthiru. D. Cornelius contributed to this construction.
Silver Jubilee (December 16,17,1978): Bethel Church started in 1953 for 25 years of excellent development, to give thanks to God, on December 16 and 17, 1978, two days of Silver Jubilee were celebrated for the glory of God. Our beloved, the first archbishop of Vellore Archdiocese, is also respected Archbishop J.Sam Ponnaiah attended as a special guest and delivered a special speech on the first day of December 16th at 5 pm to inaugurate the silver jubilee festival. At 7 pm, our church drama group performed a play. On the next day, 17th Sunday, Holy Service was held at 8.30 am and Friday special meeting at 10.30 am. Pastors, organization heads and elders who worked at Bethel Church were present and honored. The Silver Jubilee flower was released. At one o’clock in the afternoon a united meal was served to all the congregation. Glory be to God who gave grace to baptize 33 people.
40th Anniversary (8, 9, 10 July 1994): 40th year according to the scriptures. The 40th anniversary of our church was celebrated on 8.9.10 in July 1994 with great programs. 20 people were baptized. During the ceremony, the church leaders submitted several research papers on various topics about the development of the church during the 40 years. 40 teak trees and coconut trees
were planted in the temple premises. Golden Jubilee 2004: Golden Jubilee was held on August 28, 29, 2004- in a very fitting way for the glory of God. On the 28th, the popular Trichy Kalaikaviriyin naatiya naadagam, based on Thirumarai, took place. The then Archbishop, Vice President, Secretary of the Board, treasurers attended and celebrated and Archbishop Y.William presided over the praise and worship service. The message was delivered by Dr Jepara Samuel, Chennai. The Choir sang the Ponvizhaa song in the worship with the music composed by Prof. Tamilkanal Devarasanar and composed by Bro. Theodore Satyanandam. On 02.06.2008, Reverend Arnold D. Joseph of the congregation laid the foundation stone for the construction of the arch at the main entrance gate in
commemoration of the golden jubilee year. The work was completed in a good manner and our great Reverend Y. William consecrated it on 14.09.2008. New Pastorates & Bagayam Pastorate (01.01.1980):
Because Bethel Pastorate is growing well in all areas. Bagayam in Bethel Pastorate, Chitheri. On 20.09.1979, Archbishop Reverend J. Sam Ponnaiah consecrated the Bagayam pastorate by combining the village councils of  Idayansathu, Pennathur and Salamanattam. From 01.01.1980 Bagayam started
functioning as a separate Pastorate. The Mother Church funded the construction of a temple in Bagayam.
Vellore South Pastorate (01.06.2013):
The three village parishes of Ariyur, Idiyanpatti and Malaikodi in Bethel
Pastorate and some village parishads in Bhagayam pastorate separated from
Bethel were formed as Vellore South pastorate from 01.06.2013.
Special Missions of Bethel:
1.Evangelism: Bethel has been at the forefront of missionary work and
evangelism for many years. NMSI, FMPB ministering to people who have
never heard of Jesus. It supports the workers of the Movements of Love Sharing
Movement. The tasks of this group are to lead in spiritual life, support arch
missionaries and women Bible workers and evangelize through films, sound
and light displays.
2.Nalindor Mission: Houses were built for poor families living in huts in
Rickshaw Colony area. Funding for affected people when huts burnt down in
Sainathapuram area, children walking in Andhra Pradesh funding the orphanage
once a year and providing scholarships to underprivileged children every year.
Storm, flood affected people had given notable provision of monetary
assistance and relief materials to people affected by natural calamities such as
fire and the provision of monthly stipends to two dependent elderly persons.
3. Drama: Evangelism effectively done through drama, this work started in
1969 and continued till 1988. In 1972, Bethel Drama Society was formed under
the leadership of Bera.P.Samuel. Six biblical dramas were staged 20 times
across Tamil Nadu. The theatre group helped raise funds to build the temple.
4. Area Fellowship of the Church: On special days and especially during Lent,
the parish families are divided into areas. People were led straight to the cross to
receive Lent blessings to bring families in the area together for conversation and
unity.
5. Thorappadi Prayer Center (1998): Our congregation living in Thorappadi
area used to walk to the Sabbath service held at Bethel Temple. Old people do
not come to worship because they cannot walk due to age. Therefore, realizing
their difficulty, the mother congregation established a prayer centre in the area
where they live in 1998 and appointed a person in charge and worship is held
every week.
6. Work in temple premises:
Church Worker House (20.05.2001): For Church Worker Determined to have
a good home, South India Archbishop of the Church Most Reverend KJ Samuel
on 11.12.2000 after taking the first soil to build their house they started the work
that day. Rs.2.08,432/-. After the completion of the concrete house at the cost of
our Beloved Bishop Arulthiru. Magima Rufas consecrated it on 20.05.2001.
Women’s United Association: United Associations developed according to the
interest of the members. Women leaders started working in women’s ministry
under the leadership of Mrs. Kamalam Yesuphadam Iyeramma. Visiting and
comforting the sick in the parish. Meeting and praying with patients in the
hospital, meeting the women of the Gram Sabha and teaching biblical
knowledge through songs and stories, doing evangelistic work, participating in
the special meeting of the Women’s Board at the Archdiocese level, holding
rice. Collecting shop coin and giving it to the ministry. Christmas is a special
time. Participating in Sadra ceremony, lent seasonal programs, gathering in the
temple to fast and pray every week are well done under the leadership of
Ayaramma.
A. Youth Fellowsip: Youth group, In the early days Christian devotional
endeavors operated in the archdiocese as societies. The Bethel Youth Group was
first established in 1969. The instigator of this was Mr. Ponnu A. Sathyasatshi,
the former secretary of the council. “NAAM KIRSTUVINUDAYAVARGAL”.
He was the one who chose the “We are Christ’s” (Motto) and gave it to the
youth group. The youth gather at the temple once a week to pray and do bible
study research classes. They learn spiritual things through concentration
meetings. Christmas, new year Lent periods, Palm Sunday, They participate in
special occasions such as the Easter Peace Rally.
B. Men’s Fellowship: Men’s United fellowship was formed in 1995. “Lord,
what wilt thou have me to do?” Acts 9:6 is the motto of the fellowship.
R. Jayakaran. For the past 20 years, the Society has been working with the
Church at various levels. Like Christmas, Achievements in events like Good
Friday, Easter, and able to achieve and celebrate different occasions.
C.Muthior Sangam: Muthior Sangam is called “Mutior Gudugai”. Since 1999,
the first Saturday of the month has been used to meet, pray and develop unity
among senior citizens. Dr. MJ John was the catchiest for this.
Arulthiru.S.Karunagaran Winsor inaugurated it.
D. Fruits of the Church: Bethel in these sixty years nominated for pastoral
work by the Church. It is gratifying to mention here the bishops who are
working full-time in the Archdiocese of Vellore today.
1. Arulthiru. N. Sampath Sadanandam
2. Arulthiru. Arulmani Isaac
3. Arulthiru. J. Jared Arul Jebaruban
4. Arulthiru. W. Francis Livingston
Likewise, 17 Lay Preachers, both male and female, who have received the
archbishop’s certificate, are working together with the pastor at Bethel Church
on this day. Currently 25 people are undergoing this training through ATS on the
recommendation of John Bhaskar.
E. Economic development: In 1970-71, we paid Rs.379/- per month as share
capital, today in 1961 we are paying Rs.1,12,500/- per month as share capital.
Suggestions:
1. Formation of two new village councils through our evangelistic work before
Coral festival.
2. “Educational Assistance” to help poor children in their studies
3. Planning to support 10 Missionaries of the Archdiocese.
Conclusion : Our Bethel is based on the principles lived by our RCA
Missionaries who established churches and our church pioneers “to serve, not to
serve”. Verse 10:45 contains the (“MOTTO”) Like Adi Bethel, which means
gate in the sky, this Bethel pastorate too has passed 61 years after holding the
hand of the Lord, the God of heaven. To God be the glory.