Welcome to C.S.I. Chani

Our History

Rev. John Cox, the LMS missionary started a mission center in 1838 at Trivandrum. He was the first LMS missionary appointed in TVM. He stayed initially at Pettah, at the house of Mr. John Roberts, former headmaster of the LMS school at Nagercoil. Mr. Roberts had, at the invitation of Maharaja Swati Tirunal, started the Raja's Free School in Trivandrum in 1834 which grew into the present University College. He taught Scripture at the school, and in 1838 organised a Tamil worship for LMS Christians at his home. In 1838 itself, John Cox obtained land at Kannammoola for establishing the mission station of the LMS. Meanwhile, the British officers in the Nair Brigade, residing at Cantonment (a vast area including today's Palayam and all the University lands) built a small church next to the Free School (behind today's University Library). Permission for the church was secured by the Resident, Lt. Col. James Stuart Fraser and it was opened for worship on August 5, 1838. and Rev. John Cox was put in charge of the church.

In 1840 Rev. John Cox has visited Nellikakuzhi, Karichal and started the mission work. He started worship centers at Nellikakuzhi, Chani, Thirupuram and Kodiyannoorkonam. Due to the mission work of Rev. John Cox, in 1845 a person named 'Madan' residing at Chani Plavila has accepted Jesus and he invited Rev John Cox to his house. Rev. John Cox has given baptism to the members of the family and he renamed 'Madan' as 'Anpudayon'. He was the first believer and member of CSI Chani. Finally a small church was built in the Chaniplavila. As the members were increased the church was rebuilt on 1851 and 1861. In 1889 a land of 30 cent was purchased and a new church was built and named as Chani. In 1929 the roof of the church was renovated with sheets and so the church named as 'Thakarapalli". Church wings was built on 1968 after purchasing 2.5 cent land. In 1978 September 26, both the old main hall and the new wings of the church was combined and dedicated. In 1986 the main hall of the church was renovated and dedicated by the Bishop Most Rev. Dr. Jesudasan on September 21 and that day was celebrating as Church day.