Historic Churches of Karur - Tamil Nadu

ST.THERESA's CHURCH & CSI HENRY LITTLE MEMORIAL CHURCH

CHRISTMAS IN KARUR:
During the Christmas season, I love visiting my friends' houses to see their Christmas Trees and the Nativity Scene crib. This time, since I was in Karur, I missed my friends' places, so I decided to visit the churches in Karur. There are 2 main, historic, best Churches in Karur, one being St. Theresa's Church & the other being CSI Church

St.Theresa's Church Karur

St.Theresa's Church Karur

St.Theresa's Church Karur

St.Theresa's Church Karur

ST.THERESA's CHURCH KARUR

ORIGIN OF CHRISTIANITY IN KARUR
In 1642, Fr. Baltasar De Costa came across Karur and he took up the task of giving spiritual guidance to the Christians of that locality. And then he proceeded his missionary at Erode, Dindigul etc. It was during his visit, that he founded St.Theresa's Church. During that time, the church was only a hut with a thatched roof and that's where he preached and converted the locals from as far as Trichy & Thanjavur. 

HISTORY OF ST.THERESA'S CHURCH KARUR
By mid 1800s, there were a handful of Christian Catholic families in the region and many of them chose to relocate to Pasupathipalayam to be close to this church. Fr. Tassay constructed a small church and a presbytery were constructed. 
Around the time of Indian independence, the church was under Fr. E.A Chinnappan. He is the one considered to have made the parish and the church grow leaps & bounds. Under him, the Presentation Sisters Convent was brought under this church. He later on also built an elementary school which now stands as a high school. He also built smaller chapels in few of the nearby villages and also built an elementary school in Nerur. It was only about then that the present structure of the church was begun to be built. However its completion was much later in 1972 under Fr. John Xavier.

CHRISTMAS DECORATION AT ST.THERESA'S CHURCH KARUR
Being to this church on 2 different celebrations (a wedding & a Christmas), I could see the beautiful skill of the Sisters in floral and ribbon decorations. Their Christmas decorations were also so beautiful. Having been schooled at a Convent, my mind was going back to my school days to see the Sisters walking about...
Being attached to a school I could really feel the influence of the school in the Christmas decor. I remember doing such crafty things for my own school's festivals. The crib (nativity scene) was semi lifesized and was located outside the church. There was a representation of Mount Sinai (Orebu malai) beside the nativity scene made of potato sacks dipped in terracotta and hung over sticks! There was a Jacob's well as well. Very very creatively done with simple, locally available, cheap materials (I guess by the school students)!

Which the major Roman Catholic Church in Karur? St.Theresa's Church Karur Town
Where is St.Theresa's Church, Karur (On Google Maps): St.Theresa's Church, Karur
How to reach St.Theresa's Church, Karur: 7 mins walk from Karur Bus stand. 2 mins walk from CSI Church.
Address of St.Theresa's Church Karur: St. Theresa's R.C.Church, Karur P.o, Karur Dt. 639001.
St.Theresa's Church Karur contact number: +91 4324 233008
St.Theresa's Church Karur Mass timings:
     Mon, Thu, & Sat - 06:00AM
     Tue, Wed, & Fri - 06:00PM
     Sun - 06:00AM, 08:15AM and 05:30PM
Coimbatore Roman Catholic Diocese: +91 422 2390430, 2382806

CSI Church Karur

CSI Church Karur

CSI Church Karur

CSI Church Karur 

CSI HENRY LITTLE MEMORIAL CHURCH, KARUR

METHODIST MISSIONARY KARUR
The history of this church is related to Rev. Henry Little. He had come to India in 1861, during the English rule, to the then Madras Presidency, as a part of his Methodist missionary. After working in several towns, in 1874 he reached Karur and began preaching there. 
In the year 1877, this place was struck with famine. He came up with the idea of giving a simple porridge to everyone. He then came up with a small home for children. Then started the improvement. From 1880 onwards he founded an institute to teach several job-based skills like typewriting, carpentry, lace making etc. He managed to market and sell the goods made by the locals as well.

HISTORY OF CSI CHURCH, KARUR
The church standing today was built in 1892. The foundation stone for it was laid by Lady Little. The church is now more than a century old. It is true that the antiquity of the church that attracted me the most. It is a huge church built in a very English style made of bricks. 

ARCHITECTURE OF CSI CHURCH, KARUR
When I went inside, I was all the more fascinated by its construction. It had arches and high ceiling like cathedrals. Neither was it whitewashed as well; it had beautiful exposed red bricks!!! Loved the architecture totally!!!

Which the major CSI Methodist Church in Karur? CSI Henry Little Memorial Church Karur Town
Where is CSI Henry Little Memorial Church, Karur (On Google Maps): CSI Henry Little Memorial Church, Karur
How to reach CSI Henry Little Memorial Church, Karur: 10 mins walk from Karur Bus stand. 2 mins walk from CSI Church.
Address of CSI Henry Little Memorial Church Karur: St. Theresa's R.C.Church, NH67, Ramakrishnapuram, Karur 639001
CSI Henry Little Memorial Church Karur contact number: +91 4324 262191

Karur Churches CSI Church Karur Churches Roman Catholic Church

Bhushavali

An ardent traveler by passion. Being an ex - Art History Teacher, my area of interest especially lies in Nature and Heritage. Visited 85 UNESCO World Heritage sites as of June 2022. I've been listed among the Top 7 Women Travel Bloggers of India, Top 50 in UK. I have been interviewed in a couple of TV Shows, Radio Channels and Events as well. Read more about me and read the testimonials of different brands

14 comments:

  1. Beautiful church.

    www.rajniranjandas.blogspot.com

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  2. Interesting Christmas post. Wishing you a fantastic start to the year ahead too.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Sanand. Wishing you & your family too a great year ahead!

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  3. Lovely church! Happy new year to you and yours!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Ash. Happy New Year to you n your family tooo... :)

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  4. A lovely little church Mitr. Happy new year.

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    Replies
    1. This place is stunning. This is looking very beautiful and peaceful place.

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    2. Happy New Year to you & ur family Roy!!! :)

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  5. @Mitzi,
    Glad you liked the place.. :)
    You're new here to my blog right?
    Welcome here dear. Do drop by often.
    I'd love your visits & comments.. :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thanks a lot dear to add me in your list.

    ReplyDelete

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