New parish priest joined — Rev Dr Jacob
We are glad to welcome Rev Dr Jacob as our new parish priest. We thank God and ask for your prayers as he begins his ministry at Cox Memorial CSI Church Thirupuram.
About Our Church
A community of faith in Thirupuram, Kerala
Cox Memorial CSI Church Thirupuram is part of the South Kerala Diocese of the Church of South India (CSI). We are a worshipping community in Thirupuram, Kerala, rooted in the Gospel and active in the life of our village.
Thirupuram C.S.I. Church – A Brief History
Early beginnings (1820–1838)
Conversations about forming a church in Thirupuram began as early as 1820. After 18 years of prayer and effort the congregation was formally organised under the leadership of Rev. John Cox of the London Missionary Society (LMS), who had founded the Trivandrum Mission Centre and became the founder of the Thirupuram church.
Trials and God’s protection
In those early years “social antagonists” even plotted to burn down the simple thatched-roof chapel. The plan was discovered in time and the attempt failed. Later moves against the church also came to nothing, and the congregation remembers this as a story of God’s protection through major crises.
Education and social reform
In 1839 the LMS L.P. School (still functioning today) was started under the church. One of its first teachers was Arulanandam, father of the noted poet Mosavalsalam Shasthriyar. This school became a seedbed for culture and learning in the region, producing many scholars, cultural activists and political leaders.
Social liberation
At that time slavery and harsh caste discrimination were widespread. Lower‑caste men were not allowed to cover the upper body, and women were denied the right to cover their chests. Through the struggles of the missionaries and by God’s grace, the people of this area gradually received the freedom and dignity that are enjoyed today.
Mission and expansion (1930s–1950s)
The old church building and the first mission house were raised during the ministry of the evangelist Sumanam from Neyyattinkara. In 1930, Shalami, wife of Rev. Isaac, led a strong women’s prayer fellowship that drew participants from Parassala, Neyyattinkara, Kanjiramkulam and neighbouring areas. From the 1940s the church has held an Annual Convention on a permanent platform on the south side of the churchyard, with renowned speakers such as Chacko Shasthri, Sadhu Kochukunju Upadeshi and Gnandhas from Tamil Nadu.
In the 1950s many who attended gospel meetings embraced the Christian faith and joined the church. Leaders also established several “Hindu Sunday Schools” in nearby villages, which later became full C.S.I. congregations:
- Kadavattaram (North) → Olathanni C.S.I. Church
- Chilluvila (East) → Kanjampazhinji C.S.I. Church
- Planthottam (South) → Vedamuthu Memorial Church
- Karamakkuzhi (West) → Nediyavila Church
- Maankulam → Maankulam C.S.I. Church
District church and recent developments
As these congregations grew, the South Kerala Diocese created new districts. Thirupuram C.S.I. Church was raised as a District Church on 21 November 1999. Today the Thirupuram District includes the churches of Arumanoor, Kanjampazhinji, Kanjiramkulam, Kanjiramthottam, Maankulam, Nediyavila, Olathanni, Perakkode and Planthottam.
A new Mission House was dedicated on 5 June 1988, a beautiful front porch on 1 May 2005, and the Vestry and Office building on 10 May 2009 alongside the 171st Anniversary of the church. In the years since, the sanctuary has been renovated to its present form, continuing the legacy of faith begun more than two centuries ago.
The South Kerala Diocese is one of the largest in the CSI, with 623 churches across 70 districts in Trivandrum and Kollam. Our diocese was established on 2 June 1959. We are proud to be part of this fellowship.
South Kerala Diocese — Headquarters
Bishop's House, LMS Compound, Thiruvananthapuram – 695 033, Kerala
Phone: 0471 – 2318928 / 0471 – 2315490
Website: southkerala.csi1947.com (also csiskd.com)
