A little history

From the early sixties, a few of the families belonging to the CSI Madhya Kerala Diocese who were residing in Delhi for their employment felt the need for to have the worship services conducted in their own mother tongue in the CSI liturgy and made periodical attempts for this. Whenever the CSI Bishops from Kottayam or Senior Achens from there visited Delhi such members met them and pleaded for accepting the demand. However, nothing happened till the middle of 1969. When the then Bishop Late Rt Rev M.M. John was approached by this group during his visit to Delhi he responded positively. After his return, he deputed the Late Very Rev. I.C.Kurian to Delhi for a month to study the feasibility of organizing such a congregation and its viability. For four Sundays he conducted the CSI Malayalam worship services at the Lady Hardinge Hospital Chapel. On the basis of his recommendation, the then Bishop deputed Rev. K.C. Chacko as the first Pastor of the congregation. The Bishop of Delhi Diocese was apprised of the developments and his consent for this venture was obtained. It was informed that the Pastor as well as the congregation would be under the administrative control of the Diocese of Delhi.

Thus a humble beginning was made in September 1969 by starting regular CSI Malayalam Worship Service on Sunday Mornings at the LHH Chapel. There were hardly 40 to 45 families and some single members.

The congregation grew in number and by the time it celebrated Silver Jubilee in 1994, there were about 170 families and 40 individuals as members.

Construction and Dedication of Immanuel Church

From the very beginning, it has been our ambition to have a church of our own. The Diocese of Delhi very kindly earmarked a plot of land for the Delhi Malayalam Congregation in 1995. Accordingly, DDA has allotted a plot at Mayur Vihar Phase-I Extension.

Milestones

10th March, 1998 - Physical possession of the plot of land was taken over. On 27th September, 1998 - The then Bishop Rt. Rev. Karam Masih laid the foundation stone of Immanuel Church.

30th November, 1998 - Earth breaking ceremony and prayer was conducted by Rev. Raju Mathew, Pesbyter, Delhi Malayalam Congregation in the presence of Rev Dr. K.G. Daniel.

14th November, 1999 – Dedication of Immanuel Church.

The construction of the Church was completed in a record time of 11 months under the leadership of Rev. Raju Mathew. The Immanuel Church was consecrated and dedicated for the Glory of God on 14th Nov. 1999 by the then Bishop Rt. Rev. Karam Masih, in the presence of Rt. Rev. Pritam B. Santram, Mrs. Sheila Dikshit, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Delhi. Rev. Raju Mathew. Presbyter, clergy from many Churches and many other dignitaries.

For a congregation of about 200 middle class families, constructing a church costing Rupees 40 lacs was a task of gargantuan proportions. But "nothing is impossible with God" (Luke 1:37). All the members of Delhi Malayalam Congregation contributed whole heartedly to complete the construction of Immanuel Church through prayer and monitory help. CSI Members of Bangalore, Bombay, Kuwait, Dubai and Sharjah also contributed for the construction of the church. During their personal visit to USA, Mrs & Mr. A.C.John collected Rupees 2.75 lacs from relatives and friends. Some non-Christian friends from Punjab of Mr. John P. Koshy also contributed 3 lakh rupees for this purpose. We cannot forget the leadership of Rev. Raju Mathew and services rendered by members of Delhi Malayalam Congregation especially Mr. K.M. Mathew and Dr. George Samuel. The contractor was Mr. Sabu T. John and architect was Mr. Ranjit P. John, who have done an excellent job in creating this beautiful church. C.N.I. Delhi Diocese had been with us as always, from allotting the land and rendering financial and moral support to recognizing us as a full-fledged Parish.

Immanuel Church in its 10th year

Malayalam Congregation members from Trans Yamuna area have been worshipping in Immanuel Church since its dedication. Pastors are being deputed by the Bishop of CSI Madhya Kerala Diocese. In its meeting held on 18th and 19th August, 2000, CNI Delhi Diocesan Council has accorded the status of a full-fledged Pastorate to Immanuel Church and it has been growing ever since. Presently, there are about 80 families and a few individuals as members. Parishioners are organized in Sunday School, Choir, Youth Fellowship and Women's Fellowship and meet regularly to strengthen fellowship and spiritual growth.

Vidya Kiran School – a Community Development Project of Immanuel Church

Being committed Christians, it has been our practice to support many missionary and charitable organizations on a regular basis. Taking this a step further, with a view to be of service to the immediate neighborhood, we started VIDYA KIRAN, a free School as a Community Development Project on 03-12-2006. Our primary aim is to help and encourage the migrant labour population of the neighbouring areas in sending their little ones to school. We try to instill a sense of hygiene, neatness, grooming and healthy habits in the little ones. Along with songs and play, they learn the alphabets, numbers and general knowledge.

Our school has become quite popular and more than 30 children are enrolled in the current year. In addition to imparting basic education, we do counseling of the parents in getting their children admitted in regular schools.

With a view to women empowerment, we have also started classes in Cutting and Tailoring for the village women from August 2009, which has become very popular instantly. As many as 24 ladies are enrolled and are attending regular training under a Teacher. However, no fees are charged from the students.

It is a matter of pride for us that the total expenditure on the Vidya Kiran School (morning Preparatory session as well as the evening Tailoring session) is met from voluntary contributions from our members. Every year, our Sunday School children are encouraged to bring Christmas gifts for the students of Vidya Kiran from their pocket money, thereby instilling the good habit of caring and giving in our little children.