Founding and Early Years

• March 22, 1924
  A foundation stone was laid by The Rt. Rev. N.H. Tubbs D.D., Bishop of Tinneveli & Madura, on the south side wall of the belfry, marking the beginning of the church’s history.

• December 21, 1928
  Dedication of the Church (as preserved in oral tradition). The church structure, with its high-tiled roof and elegant design, became a spiritual home for the English-speaking Protestant community—mainly Anglo-Indian railway and mill workers.

• 1928–1947
  The Church received ministerial and spiritual support from Anglican and SPG (Society for the Propagation of the Gospel) churches in Tinneveli, Madurai Main Guard Square, and St. Peter’s Church in Kodaikanal.

Towards Church Union

• September 27, 1947
  Formation of the Church of South India (CSI)—a historic union of several Protestant denominations, in which The Church of The Divine Patience became a member through the devolution of multiple mission societies.

Golden Jubilee and Beyond

• December 21, 1978
  Golden Jubilee Celebration: Foundation stone for the compound wall was laid by Rev. M. Gnanaraj.

• December 21, 1988
  Diamond Jubilee: Community Hall foundation stone laid by Rev. C.R.W. David for the benefit of the congregation.

• December 21, 1990
  Dedication of Community Hall by Rt. Rev. Dr. P. Victor Premsagar, Moderator of CSI, in the presence of Rt. Rev. Dr. David Gnanaiah Pothiraju, Bishop of Madurai-Ramnad Diocese.

• Christmas 1996
  The Church’s first Hymnal was printed, under the leadership of Rev. I.D. Chellaraj Fenn.

Expansion of Mission and Outreach

• March 6, 1999
  First Floor Extension Block completed with support from Madurai Round Table 14.

• November 9, 1991
  Divine Patience Round Table Centre for the Blind: Foundation laid and dedicated by Rev. Fenn, inaugurated by T.R. Abraham Markos.

• January 26, 2000
  Dedication of Senior Citizens' Rooms & Centre for the Visually Challenged, supported by Madurai Round Table 14, and blessed by Rt. Rev. D. Thavaraj David Eames, Bishop of Madurai-Ramnad.

Mission Outreach: Cumbum Valley

• Late 1990s
  The church launched The Divine Patience Hub in Cumbum Valley, extending its mission work to three villages west of Madurai, including Theni and Cumbum areas.

 

​The Church of the Divine Patience uniquely serves the English-speaking congregation, particularly the Anglo-Indian communities historically connected to the Indian Railways and Madura Coats. Today, it functions as a pastorate under the Madurai Local Council within the CSI Diocese of Madurai and Ramnad, which spans six revenue districts and operates under the guidance of its Bishop, in accordance with both church and government regulations. The church is currently under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Dr. P. Jeyachandran. This page will be updated periodically.