Indian Church History - Sermon by Rev.Dr.T.P.Samuel Stuart The Indian Church History Sermon by Rev. Dr. T. P. Samuel Stuart Matthew 16:18 - And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it. On the marshy plain of Caesarea Philippi, near the base of Mount Hermon, Simon Peter openly acknowledged Jesus as the “Son of God” – the Messiah. On hearing the amazing declaration of Simon Peter, Jesus called him a “Rock” and upon which He would build His church so strong that the gates of hell would not prevail against it. In the Words of Jesus, we could observe three aspects: 1. Christ will have a Church in this world. 2. The Church would mightily be opposed not only by the hostile world, but also by the uttermost strength and powers of hell. 3. Notwithstanding the resistance of the devil and of all his malice, the church should continue to grow and march ahead. When we look back the path, the Church has traversed through, we could observe that all the three aspects have exactly been fulfilled. Birth of Church The Church of Christ came into existence on the day of Pentecost, when there was a great out pouring of the Holy Spirit. Since then 2000 years have passed. Since then, much water has flown under the bridge. Empires have risen and fallen. Kings raised and vanished. Leaders arose and disappeared. Astounding progress has been achieved in the fields of Science, Medicine, Industry and Astronomy, and in other fields. The intellectuals are recognizing today’s Age, as the “Age of Knowledge Explosion.” The Silicon Chips simply revolutionized the world. Some do call our Age as the “Silicon Age.” Despite the mind-boggling achievement, the man remains the same. The world’s hostility towards God, the creator, and the Church does not diminish. History of the Church The history of the Church is a subject of interest and inspiration to all Christians. As per our Tirunelveli Diocese Almanac, today (17.08.2003) is the Day of Glorintha (Glorintha Sunday), who is known as the Mother of our Tirnelveli Diocese. The subject for today as per the Almanac is “Witnessing of the Church.” In my meditation today, I shall be confining myself with the Church History of Tamilnadu, in relation to our Tirunelveli Diocese in particular. Form the 1st century to now; no century has passed without the church being persecuted by its enemies. The sufferings of Christian Missionaries in the up country states of India and in many Islamic countries are very severe. What are all said and done, we, who are in India, are at free to worship our Lord in the Church or in open. But you cannot build a church in many Islamic countries. You cannot carry a Bible or worship the Lord Jesus Christ, in open. In the early 1st century, the Religious Authorities of Jerusalem stoned Stephen to death. He was the first martyr of Christian church. Later the Political Authorities joined in the persecution of the Church of Christ. The death of Christians under Roman Government was too many and was very severe. Cyprian, the Bishop of Carthage writes, “The entire world was devastated by the Roman persecution.” In India, on the night of 29th January 1999, Graham Stuart Stains, an Australian Missionary, who was serving among the lepers for 34 years was burnt to death, with his two sons, Timothy and Philip, in his Station Wagon, at Manoharpur in Orissa. From Stephen to Stains, the History of the Church was crowned with the Role call of a long list of Martyrs. In this context, let me quote the words of Tertullian, the Church Historian of early Church. He said, “The blood of martyrs is the seed of the Church.” In their death, they were the witnesses for the cause of Christ. Their death strengthened the Church. Indian Churches The Church History of Indian Churches dates back to the 1st century. Our Lord’s disciples Bartholomew and Thomas came to India and laboured here, in the period around 52 AD. Bartholomew left India, after sometime. But Thomas laboured in the Indian-soil till his death, as a martyr. The tradition says a Hindu fanatic, at a hill near Chennai, stabbed Thomas to death with a spear. It is said for sometime he was staying or hiding in a cave in a small mountain near Chennai, which is now known as St. Thomas Mount. His mortal remains were buried in Santhom, near Mylapore, Chennai. You can see his grave in side the Santhom Church, even today. St. Thomas is believed to be the founder of Syrian Christian Church in West Coast. He said to have established seven Churches by converting important Brahmin families in Kerala. Out of the seven one church still exists in Niranam near Tiruvalla. After Thomas, we could not identify any Christian Missionary activities in India, until 13th Century. In the 13th century, the Jesuits arrived in India to spread the Gospel of Christ But there was not any notable event during 13th and 14th centuries. Developments in 15th Century The 15th Century was the important period in the Secular world history and in the Christian Church history. 1. Gutenberg’s Printing Machine revolutionized the world. Lot of books were printed. The first among them was Bible. Bible was available at an affordable price Hence it was widely read. 2. Copernicus’ discovery, as the Sun at center of the Solar system, took the astronomers by storm. 3. Galileo’s claim that the earth is globe shocked the then Religious world. Thus far people believed that the world was flat. 4. Many Sea voyages were undertaken. The fever for discovering new worlds was the desire of all European nations. 5. The Industrial revolution increased the national production. Therefore, the Industrial nations of Europe were in look out for external markets to sell their products. Thus the colonization began. 6. Columbus set out to find a short Sea route to India. But he accidentally landed in America. The people of main land ( i.e. Asia, Europe and Africa), thus far, did not know the existence of American continent. 7. In the year 1498, Vasco de Gamma landed in Calicut, touching the “Cape of Good Hope” in Africa. After discovering Sea-rout to India, the European countries were vying with each other to colonize India, to market their produce. In 16th, 17th and 18th centuries the Portuguese, the Dutch, the French and the British were fighting with each other, to take control of Indian territories. During these happenings in India, Martin Luther led the Reformation Movement against the Roman Catholic Church. In 1542, Francis Xavier, belong to the family of Spanish nobility, arrived in Goa, with the Papal order, as the representative of Pope. He was the most illustrious of the Roman Catholic Missionaries. He was in the order of “Society of Jesus” started by Ignatius Loyola. In Goa he baptized 20,000 and in Kerala he baptized 10,000 persons. His body is still kept in a magnificent tomb, in a Basilica in Goa. In the year 1605, Robert de Nobili, hailed from an aristocratic Italian family, arrived in India and was working in Madurai. Area. He was also a member of ‘Society of Jesus.’ His burden was to attract the high cast Indians. He gained knowledge in Tamil language, of Hindu culture and of classical writings. He donned the attire as the Brahmin Priests and lived in a mud house. He had “kudumi” and “Sacrad Thread.” He engaged in debates with Hindu scholars. His earnest endeavours earned him about sixty converts in three years. After 50 years of Missionary labour, he died in a hut near Madras. Later, John D. Britto carried on his work. But he could not make any appreciable impact among the heathens. In the year 1711, Fr. Joseph Beschi, an Italian count – a rich man, took charge of Madurai Mission. He later changed his name as Veerama Muniver. He was in the mission for 31 years. During this period, he became a Tamil scholar. He wrote a masterpiece in Tamil – Thembavani. It is considered as one of the most scholarly work contributed to Tamil literature, by the Christian world. What I have narrated so far are the activities of Roman Catholic Church. Beginning of Protestant Missions In the early 17th century, our Church (Holy Trinity Church) was built by the Portuguese for their worship. In the year 1658, Dutch captured Tuticorin. Consequently, our church fallen into the control of the Dutch. The present structure of our Church appears to have been erected in the year 1750 (MDCCL). Subsequently, the Tuticorin town was taken over by British. When the Dutch were leaving, they handed over the Church to British on the 1st June 1825, with one condition that this church should not be named after any Saints. That is the reason why, our church is being called “Holy Trinity (English)Church.” Ours is first Protestant Church ever built in the territory covering Tirnelveli Diocese. However, the History of Protestant Mission begins only in the 18th century. It commences on the arrival of Bartholomew Zieganbalg (22years) and Henry Plutschaue (27 years). Both of them were Germans. But they came to India with the help of King Fredrik IV of Denmark. They arrived at Trancobar, near Thanjavur, on the 9th July 1706. The Dutch East India Company officials, in the Danish Colony, did not like missionary activities in their territory. Therefore, they were received with hostility. It is said that they were not helped to reach the shore. They stranded in the sea (outside the port) for three days. With help of some fishermen they reached the shore. Within one year, Zieganbalg was proficient in Tamil language. He laboured in Indian soil for seven years. During this period, he started one school. Later he built a Church Trancobar with the name Zion Church. In the year 1707, he built another church called Jerusalem Church. In that Church, worship was conducted in Portuguese and Tamil. He studied Tamil language and began to translate the Bible. In the year 1711, Zieganbalg brought a Printing Mission from England. This was the first Printing Machine ever landed in Indian soil. Tamil was the first Indian Language ever to be printed in a Printing Machine. He first translated the Lutheran Catechism in Tamil and printed it. Then, in the year 1714, he translated and printed the Tamil New Testament. Thereafter, Zieganbalg translated the Old Testament upto the book of Ruth. Then he could not continue his translation work. After a brief sickness he died in the year1719, at the age of 36years. Later, Schultze continued the translation work and released the whole Bible in Tamil in the year 1725. In his brief lifetime of 36 years, Zieganbag did a tremendous work. He began his work in an obscure corner of Tamilnadu. But he laid a solid foundation for the Protestant Church. After Zieganbalg, the notable missionary was Christian Fredrick Swartz. He arrived at Trangabor in the year 1750. He laboured here for 48 years. He died in the year1798. After his arrival he never returned to Europe. He learnt Tamil even before he arrived in India. He was the founder of Tanjore Mission and Tirunelveli Mission. King Saraboji of Tanjore eagerly listened to the Gospel. On his death bed King Saraboji handed over his son, the young prince under the protection and care of Swartz, because he believed none of his relatives. It is said that the crown-prince, who became the king later, used to call Swartz as “Appa.” On behalf of the young prince, Swartz administered the Tanjore province for several years. On hearing his administrative capabilities, the British requested to Swartz to administer Tiruchirapalli province as well. He was very pious and holy. He commanded respect from persons of all walks of life. During this period, the British and Hyder Ali of Mysore were at war. At one point of time, the British preferred to go for a compromise settlement with Hyder. On hearing the invitation for ‘Peace Treaty’ from the British, Hyder Ali preferred only Swartz as the Mediator between them. Such was the respect he commanded from the people of all walks of life. Swartz did not marry althrough his life. Tradition says that he had mystic powers. Glorintha About this period there lived a young girl, who was the daughter of an official, in the palace of King Saraboji. Her name was Kokila. She was a Marathi Brahmin girl. One day when she was plucking flowers in the Palace garden, a snake bit her. At that time, a British Soldier by name Littleton accidentally passed through that area. He gave her the treatment and saved her from death. After several years of this incident, in the year 1763, the husband of Kokila died. As per the custom of those days, her relatives were preparing the pyre to burn her alive along with the dead-body of her husband. This practice is known as “Sathi.” On seeing this scene, Littleton rushed to the place in a horse and galloped away with Kokila. Then, he produced her before the King. As she was taken away from the cremation ground, the relatives of the girl did not like to take her back into their home. She literally became an orphan. As Littleton saved the life of Kokila twice, the King encouraged him to take her with him. Thereafter, they were living together in Tanjore. Littleton was a religious man. He introduced Jesus Christ to her and taught her the Word of God. When both of them approached Swartz seeking baptism, he refused to give her Baptism, as they had not been united in the wedlock, as per the Church Order. After sometime, Littleton was transferred to Palayamkottai. In few months, Littleton was promoted as Cornel and called to England. In few years he died in England. As per the Will, he left a substantial wealth in the name of Kokila. She spent the entire wealth for the expansion of the Kingdom of God. She did great work in Ukkirankottai, Cherranmadhevi, Buvani and in other places. On hearing the good works of Kokila, Swartz visited Tirunelveli and was very much impressed. Then he whole-heartedly gave her Baptism on 3rd March 1778. Her Baptism name was Glorintha. Hers was the first Baptism in Tirunelveli Diocese territory. On 30th June 1779, the adopted son of Glorintha got married. It was the first Christian marriage conducted in this area. With renewed vigour, Glorintha served for the Lord. With her efforts, the first church was built and was consecrated in Palayamkottai on 24th August 1785. This church was known for a long time as “Pappathi Ammal Church.” This Church still exists in Military Lane Area, opposite to St John’s College. She died in the year 1806. At the time of her death, there were 34 bigger churches and 45 small churches, 6000 membership, 30 church workers and 12 schools. Thus a Brahmin lady by birth, has become the Mother of the world biggest Diocese. Yes! Ours is the biggest Diocese in the world. Many people including some Christians are under the impression that all Europeans supported the propagation of Christianity. They are sadly mistaken. The British East India Company was adopting anti-missionary policies. They were preventing missionaries from entering into India. Only after 1813, the policies of the Company were changed. Thereafter, in the 18th and 19th centuries many mission fields were opened by many missionary organizations of the world. They are Society of the Propagation of the Gospel (SPG), London Missionary Society, Wesleyan Methodist Missionary Society, Basel Mission, American Baptists, American Lutherans and others. Many eminent sons of the Lord laboured in our area. Let me remind you few of them. Bishop C.T.E.Rhenius came to Palayamkottai as a Missionary of CMS. He served here from 1820 to 1835 (15 years). The growth of the Church during his tenure was astronomical. He purchased important and valuable properties in various towns, which we are enjoying now. He is known as the Apostle of Tirunelveli Diocese. Rev. J. T. Tucker laboured in Pannavillai. Bishop Caldwel did wonderful work at Idayankudi. His Scholarly contribution to Tamil Language- Comparative Grammar- shall ever remain a valuable work. Bishop Edward Sargent laboured in Palayamkottai. Racqueland in Sivakasi / Virudhunagar area. G.U. Pope in Swyerpuram. He was also an eminent Scholar in Tamil. He has translated many literary works into English. We are enjoying the fruits of their tireless labour and sacrifices. At present, we have more than 1300 pastorates and more than 700 churches and largest membership which no other Diocese enjoy under a single Bishop, in the world. I would be failing in my duty if I did not tell you of the works of Vadanayagam Samuel Azariah who was the first Indian Bishop served in Dornakal, Andrah Pradesh. He was the founder of the Indian Missionary Society. He was secretary of the YMCA in south India from 1895 to 1909. He resigned his coveted position and joined in the Lord’s ministry. He was the architect of our Church of South India – CSI. He was a great visionary. Even in the early 20th century he had a vision, how our Christian Churches should be in the Independent India. 1947 is not only a year to be remembered in the Indian History, but also to be remembered in the Indian Church History. In this year all the different Protestant Churches united under a single banner CSI. Before he could see the fruits of his labour, he was entered into Eternal-Call on the 1st January 1945, just two years before the creation of a united Church of South India. Few years before of this Historic event, Bishop Azariah posted a famous Historical Question to the Western Churches – “We children are united; when the Parents would?” The question still remains unanswered. Till today the western churches could not get united. But in the Indian Church History, the thing, which was thought impossible, became possible. The Protestant Churches are under the banners CSI and NSI. Let the Lord’s name be praised. Conclusion On the Day of Glorintha, I have given you a bird’s eye view of our Protestant church history. In view of the time constraint, I have not included the works in North India, especially of William Carry in Sherampore. I confined myself only with the works in Tamilnadu. Now, the hostility against Christians erupts its evil head in our country. The forces against Christ and Christianity are at work to erase Christian Religion with the help of legislations, with tempting offers or by force. If we scan through the History of the Church they are not new. Through out the history, the Church had experienced such hostilities from the World rulers. Jesus already visualized this situation. He said in John 16:2-3 –“Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. And they will do this because they have not known the Father, nor me.” In this world we are to be the witnesses of Christ. The Faith of Historical figures from Stephen to Stains have given us a rich Christian heritage. What is in store for the Christians, in future, in this country is uncertain. We might have a ruler like Constantine, who was liberal to Christians. Or we might have a ruler like a Julian, who was an apostate. Or we might have a ruler like Nero, who was the first Political persecutor of the Church. What is in store for in future for the Church in this country; we do not know. But the courage and dedication of the clouds of witnesses of the Church, over the past 20 centuries, are the inspiration for us to live for Christ. Invite Christ into your heart. He shall impart courage and confidence to face up any eventuality that may occur in the days ahead of us. May God shall bless every one of us here with God’s abundant strength to face up any situation, with determination and dedication. The world sees Jesus through Christians. The Christian believers form the body of the Church. As the part of the body of the Church, let us be a witnessing Church before the world. END
Posted on: Sun, 09 Jun 2013 07:06:49 +0000
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