Pallikkunu CSI Church turns 150

Idukki: Pallikkunu

CSI Church

constructed during the British era turns 150 on Sunday.

The unique feature of this church is that even after independence, the cemetery is still under the control British high commissioner.

The Travancore royal family had handed over 15.62 acres to British missionary Henry Baker Junior. In 1869 Henry Baker Junior constructed the church is in Gothic style. You can still see the British influence on this church, for it looks like something you would see in England. The history of the church is linked to the missionaries who arrived here.

The church was initially named St George. You can see the humble yet elegant decorations on the wooden plank. The furniture and articles used religious ceremonies are of the British era. It has beautiful glass cut windows and antique wooden furniture.

The church’s infrastructure and interior design still reflect of the old British style, said the church officials.

Another highlight of the church’s cemetery is that Downy, a white mare owned by British planter J D Munro was buried here.

Munro wanted his favourite mare to be buried next to him and the church officials acceded to his request,” Pallikkunu CSI Church trustee Viju P Chako.

“The first Indian priest Nallathampi is the only non-British man to be buried in a British cemetery. The young generation Britons came here in search of their ancestors’ tomb,” added Chako.

“The British church is located on the Kattappana-Kuttikkanam route in the district. It is believed that the British planters largely converted forestland into tea estates in Munnar and Peerumade. There are only two British churches in these areas that have been preserved,” he said.

CSI church former moderator Dr K J Samuel will inaugurate the jubilee celebrations of the church on Sunday. Baker’s family members Eleanor and Nattily will attend the function. The jubilee celebration of the church will be continue till February 19, 2020, said vicar Jay sing Norbert.