About Us
Choolai Baptist Church Historical Overview
Origin of Choolai
• Choolai is a small village in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, primarily inhabited by Telugu-speaking people.
• The village got its name "Choolai" from the term of "Choolai Sengal," which means "brick kiln," due to the brick-making profession prevalent among the residents.
Introduction of Christianity (1924-1928)
• In 1924, Rev.D. Arogyam, B.A., began spreading the Christian Gospel in Choolai, which had no Christian presence at that time.
• Elakapati Narasayya, a devout Hindu, embraced Christianity and was baptized along with his family by Rev. D. Arogyam. He became the first Christian in the village, adopting the name Devadas.
• Mr.Devadas initiated the construction of the first Christian place of worship in Choolai, while continuing his railway job.
Expansion of Christian Community
• Rev.D. Arogyam and Mr.Elakapati Devadas’ efforts led many people to convert into Christianity.
• Mr.Ongole Yakobu, with his wife Mrs.Lidiyamma, regularly conducted prayer meetings near a Hindu temple in Choolai.
First Public Baptism (1928)
• Mr.Devadas and Mr.Chevalamudi Polayya, after leading many to Christianity, organized the first public baptism in 1928 at Talluru village for around 200 people, including Mr.Polayya, who later took the name Peter.
Establishment of the First Prayer Place
• Due to the growing number of Christians, a small prayer hut was set up near a Hindu temple in 1928.
• With encouragement from missionary Dr. W. L. Ferguson, plans were made to build a proper Church. Contributions were raised, and a small Church was constructed with stone walls.
Growth and Development (1934-1948)
• By 1934, the congregation grew to 56 members, necessitating the expansion of the Church.
• Between 1943-48, Mr.Samuel Kandula led youth ministry activities.
• Mr.Elakapati Devadas passed away on October 26, 1946.
Formation of an Independent Church (1949)
• The congregation decided to form an independent Church, separates from Vepery Church.
• On January 2, 1949, the Choolai Telugu Baptist Church was officially established with Mr.T.L. Salman, serving as the first pastor until 1957.
Church Milestones and Events
• The first anniversary as an independent Church was celebrated in 1950.
• In 1953, with a donation from Rev. Purdy, a Church water tank was constructed.
• The Church was registered under the Society Act in 1956.
• Expansion continued with the construction of additional sections in the Church during the 1960s.
Spiritual Leadership and Growth
• The Church saw spiritual growth under various leaders, including Rev. G. Cornelius David and his wife, Mrs. Agnes Cornelius, who contributed to adult education and women's spiritual development.
• In August 1967, Rev. Dr. M. Paul Eswarappa was appointed as the honorary pastor, guiding the congregation in worship and youth fellowship activities.
Infrastructure Developments and Expansions
• In 1968, a roof was added to the previously constructed Church’s front area.
• By 1970, the rear part of the Church building was expanded, and the roof was completely replaced with a durable structure.
First Evangelistic Outreach (1973)
• For the first time, an evangelistic outreach event, known as a Gospel Expedition, was organized in 1973.
• A special committee, led by Mr.Mavuluri Purushottam with the support of Mr.Aalochana Ramayya, was formed to carry out this evangelistic campaign.
Formation of Women's Society and Spiritual Development
• The Women's Society was first formed under the leadership of Mrs. L. Salman and Mrs.Elakapati Emmellamma, who gathered women for spiritual meetings.
• Mrs. Agnes Cornelius later took a leading role in fostering spiritual growth among the women of the Church.
• By 1973, Mrs. Kamalabai Eswarappa was leading the Women's Society, encouraging them to raise funds for the Church. They donated items like a pulpit and chairs to the Church in 1973.
Further Growth and Silver Jubilee (1974)
• The Church's Silver Jubilee was celebrated on February 16 & 17, 1974, with special services and events.
• During this period, various committees were formed to support the Church's ministries and activities.
Silver Jubilee Celebrations (1974)
• The Silver Jubilee of the Choolai Telugu Baptist Church was celebrated on February 16 & 17, 1974, marking 25 years of the Church's establishment.
• Celebrations included a special presentation of the story of John the Baptist on February 16, 1974, conducted by Rev. Bonta Samuel M.Th.
• The main jubilee service was held on February 17, 1974, with Rev. K.V. Prasad Rao presiding and Rev. Samuel as Chief Guest Speaker. The evening service featured by Dr. L.F. Noel Ph.D. as Chief Guest.
Formation of Committees and Initiatives
Various committees were formed to oversee different aspects of Church activities:
1. Pulpit Committee, led by Mr.K. Bhushan.
2. Evangelism Committee, chaired by Mr.Mavuluri Purushottam.
3. General Church Committee, led by Mr.B. Prakasham.
4. Assistance Committee, chaired by Guntagani Narasimhulu (Isaac).
5. Church Secretary, Mr.K.R. Ratnam.
6. Assistant Secretary, Mr.M.D. Ruben.
7. Treasurer, Mr.K. Ashirvadam.
Continued Development and Renovations
• The Church continued to expand and renovate, adding new structures and facilities to accommodate the growing congregation.
• In 1992, a significant milestone was reached with the 25th anniversary of Rev. Dr. M. Paul Eswarappa's service as Church pastor, celebrated with a Silver Jubilee event.
Golden Jubilee Preparations (1999)
• As the Church approached its Golden Jubilee, preparations were underway for a grand celebration to mark 50 years of the Church’s ministry and growth.
• The Golden Jubilee was celebrated from April 9 to 11, 1999, with three days of worship and events that highlighted the Church’s journey and achievements.
Between 1974 and 1999
• The celebrations included various programs, including a Sunday School event.
• The Choolai Telugu Baptist Church experienced significant spiritual and infrastructural growth, organizing various activities, expanding the congregation, and strengthening its community through evangelism, education, and dedicated leadership.
Major Renovations and Modern Developments (2006-2012)
• In 2006, plans for a new Church building were initiated, leading to the construction of the new Church, inaugurated on March 13, 2010.
• The Church underwent further expansions, including the Upper Section in 2012 and its inauguration held on 2013.
Recent Events and Continued Activities (2017-2021)
• Youth retreat was held on May 1, 2017.
• Rev & Dr. M. Paul Eswarappa was honoured for his 50 years of service in January 2018.
• During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the Church adapted to online services and resumed physical gatherings in August following government guidelines.
• On March 8, 2021, the Church celebrated International Women's Day, recognizing the contributions of women in the Church.
2024 Diamond Jubilee
• Currently, in 2024, by God's grace, The Choolai Telugu Baptist Church is celebrating the 75th Anniversary (Diamond Jubilee) of our Church. To mark this occasion, several events have been held throughout August, including a Sunday School Children's Program, Youth Program, and Women's Gathering. The Diamond Jubilee Celebrations will continue with a three-day event from 30th August to 1st September, glorifying God and commemorating this significant milestone.
Church Leaders and Services
Mr.T.L. Salomon (1950-1957):
Mr.T.L. Salomon served as Church caretaker from 1950 to 1957.
Mr.Kandaala Nagayya:
Following his tenure, Mr.Kandaala Nagayya served as Honorary Pastor.
Rev. G. Cornelius David:
After the late Pastor Kandaala Nagayya, the late Rev. G. Cornelius David took on the role of Honorary Pastor. His wife, Mrs. Agnes Cornelius, led Church’s Women’s Fellowship, teaching them both the Word of God and adult education.
Rev. & Dr. M. Paul Eswarappa (1967 – Present):
After Rev. G. Cornelius David, Rev. & Dr. M. Paul Eswarappa, DD, was appointed as an honorary pastor in August 1967. He effectively led Church worship, B.Y.F. meetings, Bible classes, and conducted examinations, rewarding successful candidates with prizes from his own funds. Every Saturday, he organized prayer sessions for the youth, encouraging them to pray on their knees. Many who were mentored under his guidance are now Church leaders and servants of God.
Rev. Paul Eswarappa, born into a Hindu family, accepted the Lord as his Savior and studied theology at Madras HBI, later serving as a teacher at HBJ. With a character marked by patience and endurance, he has been serving as a Church caretaker for nearly 57 years. In 1992, the Church celebrated his “Silver Jubilee,” recognizing his invaluable service. Words are not enough to describe his contributions. Recognizing his long-standing service to God, he was honoured by the All India Telugu Federation in 2016, receiving an award from the honourable Vice President, Mr.Venkaiah Naidu. In 2020, a grand program was held in the Church to commemorate his 50 years of service. As a spiritual father, he continues to guide the congregation with words and actions, loving everyone without partiality.
Rev.G.Sugnanam
Praise be to God’s holy name. Rev.G.Sugnanam worked as an assistant pastor. He used to perform worship, all night prayers, early morning prayers. At present, I am giving thanks for the great grace of God to hold the diamond jubilee. Thanks to God for blessing the families in the community in many ways. I pray that if all can have a heart with one hand in His mind, it will be a congregation that will be lifted up at the time of His coming.
Rev. V.S. Johnson Raj, B.Sc., B.D. (2003-2021):
Rev. V.S. Johnson Raj was appointed as an Assistant Pastor in 2003 and served until 2021. Since then, he has been actively involved in youth gatherings, Church worship, and choir preparations, serving both at scheduled and unscheduled times.
Rev. V. Jesudas (2021 – Present):
In July 2021, Rev. V. Jesudas was appointed as an Assistant Pastor. Since then, he has been actively involved in youth gatherings, Church worship, and choir preparations.