CSI Christ Church, Kerala

This church is located in the central and most important part of the Thalassery town. It is in between the University Stadium and the Chandrasekharan Nair Stadium, along with the Kerala Legislative Complex on one side and the arterial Mahatma Gandhi Road other. The CSI Munnar Pastorate’s headquarters, with about 18 outstation churches and thousands of Tamil families,are the Old CSI Christ Church.

History and its architecture

The church was built in 1910 AD by the Britishers. It is included in the list of one of the most reserved sites. This holy site is embellished with stained glass. And the main elements used in the construction of this church are brick dust mixture, Surkhi, and laterite blocks, local wood, which were readily available. Other than these for some interior and exterior works, roof tile was also used. Presuming that the church was constructed 150 years ago, it would have turned into ruins will be the biggest mistake. Even after 150 years, the building stands firm, which is proof of the sincerity and architectural expertise of that time. Other than these architectural features, this church is also engraved brass with plaques. And this engraving was made in the memory of the tea planters.

The architectural style of the Basel Mission is evident in the construction of the church. This church’s other architectural features are a bell tower as its roof, stained glass panes with wide arches, a Gothic arch in the central part and the altar area; there are two smaller arches. Its structure is so eyecatching that it can’t go unnoticed. The site of the church was consecrated formally by Rt. Rev. Noel Hodges on 15th April 1900, and in March 1910, it’s foundation stone was by Sir A.K. Muir. The church was inaugurated on 16th April 1911 by Rev. W.F.B Hoysted, the priest at that time. Before leaving Munnar, the British handed over the charge to the CSI North Kerala Diocese.

Prayer timings

Prayers in this church are done in many languages, like English, Tamil, and Malayalam, at different times. The timing for the Tamil language is 7.15 am, for English 9.45 am, and for Malayalam 7.30 am for prayers, you have come to Zion Hall on alternate 2nd & 4th Sundays.

Location How to Reach

Location: Kochi - Dhanushkodi Road, Moolakadai, Munnar, Kerala 685612