REV. JOHN THOMAS – “ONE RUPEE CHURCH” A MASTER PIECE OF SOUTH INDIAN CHURCHES

ABSTRACT

 In the British colonial years several pious missionaries came to the villages in Tiruneveli area and made a tremendous contribution to the religious and educational activities of villages.  Among the missionaries,  Rev. John Thomas was undoubtedly one of the ablest and most successful missionaries that ever came to Tinnevelly in connexion with the C.M.S. a man of ardent and energetic temperament and an eminent organizer and master-builder.  He threw himself into his work at Mengnanapuram with the utmost zeal and enthusiasm and built it up into one of the most  flourishing mission stations in India.

     Rev. John Thomas  built the massive and imposing church capped it with a stately spire (192 feet high),  designed by the London architect, Hussey and dedicated it on 9.10.1868 in the presence of Lord Napier, Governor of Madras, who acclaimed the church as the noblest he had seen in India, surpassing in beauty even St. Paul’s Cathedral, Calcutta.  Operating from Meignanapuram Rev. John Thomas spread the church to a network of villages around. Meignanapuram church is used to be referred to as the “One Rupee Church” as a rupee then contained 192 paise  and the height of the tower of the Church is 192 feet.   By climbing a few storey up the tower, one can command a panoramic view of many miles of sandy places all around. There are seven storey in that steeple.  Only one person can stand on the top-most point.  From there one can see even Manapad.

      One of the Stateliest churches in the whole of India is St. Paul’s church at Megnanapuram . The central church at Mengnanapuram built by him is the handsomest and most solid in South India’. On 9^th December 1847, the Church  dedication [warming ceremony]had taken place under the auspices  by Rev. Rhenius and Rev. John Thomas. Hence, he was called ‘The Apostle of South Tirunelveli’. In a review of Rev. John Thomas work he says, ‘I cannot but speak with much awe and solemnity regarding my work; whatever good has been done, to Christ be all the glory’. Due to his efforts he erect a wonderful model for South Indian Churches at Meignanapuram.  Hence, we call him as the master builder of South Indian Church or Father of South Indian Church. 

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    In the British colonial years several pious missionaries came to the villages in Tiruneveli area and made a tremendous contribution to the religious and educational activities of villages.  Among the missionaries,  Rev. John Thomas¹ was undoubtedly one of the ablest and most successful missionaries that ever came to Tinnevelly in connexion with the C.M.S. a man of ardent and energetic temperament and an eminent organizer and master-builder.  He threw himself into his work at Mengnanapuram with the utmost zeal and enthusiasm and built it up into one of the most  flourishing mission stations in India.  As a result of thirty three years’ work he could point to 125 villages in which there were resident Christians aggregating to over 11,000.  In all the larger villages, some of which were entirely Christian, there were churches or prayer-houses erected by him and schools entirely manned by Christian teachers.   There were fifty-four catechists working as quasi-pastors under Thomas’ supervision and more than twelve pastors who had all been recommended for ordination by him.  In everything except the performance of distinctly Episcopal  functions.  Thomas was practically a bishop.  He appreciated talent when he saw it, and was indefatigable in training his assistants, bringing them forward and placing them in positions of responsibility.  He was an ardent advocate of the plan of having an Indian Bishop for Tinnevelly,  of the council system and of an increase in the number of ordained clergy.  Like the famous architect of St. Paul’s cathedral, he could point to the Mengnanapuram Church and district, and say ‘ If you want to see my monument, look around.’  ‘The result of his labours is that Mengnanapuram is the most advanced and complete section of the Tinnevelly Church, having its Indian clergy, its Church councils, village churches and educational institutions. One of the Stateliest churches in the whole of India is St. Paul’s church at Megnanapuram . The central church at Mengnanapuram built by him is the handsomest and most solid in South India’. On 9^th December 1847, the Church  dedication [warming ceremony]had taken place under the auspices  by Rev. Rhenius and Rev. John Thomas.² Hence, he was called ‘The Apostle of South Tirunelveli’.³  In a review of Rev. John Thomas work he says, ‘I cannot but speak with much awe and solemnity regarding my work; whatever good has been done, to Christ be all the glory’.

HISTORIC  INCIDENT FOR THE ORIGIN of Meignanapurm :

      Therivillai village was a tiny settlement of few Hindu families with a Kali Kovil (temple) where St. Paul’s Church now so majestically stands.  Muthayamperumal of Therivillai came to Neduvillai  , who clashed with the pujari of the temple since he was denied priority to use the temple for a family function.  This event so aggravated him and he took a oath to destroy the temple. At this juncture, in the early 19^th century CMS missionaries came on horses to Neduvillai from Palayamkottai and tied up the horses in front of the house of Muthayamperumal, eventually he contacts with the missionaries and converted from Hinduism to Christianity. He played a key role in naming our village as Meignanapuram.⁴ Neduvillai was a mere barren spot in a region of arid sand stretching for miles over a flat and uninteresting plain known as ‘Sabanilam’ (land of curse), a village,⁵ which first came under the influence of Rev. Rhenius. On March 7, 1830, Rev. Rhenius changed  the name of the village "Neduvilai" into "Megnanapuram" ( the abode of True Wisdom).⁶ Due to his dedicated service, he earn the title “the Apostle of Tirunelveli”. He was worked not only for the cause of religious changes but also social changes.⁷

      At present, Meignanapuram is a developing village located at 45 km north east to Trinelveli. It has nearly 2500 houses in five straight streets and around 10,000 people live there. There is a B.Ed. college, Rev. John Thomas College of Education for Women named after Rev. John Thomas to remember his service to this village and two higher secondary schools one for women (Eliott Tuxford Higher Secondary School) and another for men (Ambrose Higher Secondary School). In addition there are two elementary schools. All the above schools are managed by the local Christian administration and they maintain good educational standards.

THE HISTORIC INCEDENT TO BECOME AN EVANGELIST IN INDIA :

   John Thomas was born on 10^th Nov. 1807 at Pembroke, Wales in England. He was very much inspired by Pyers, who was served twelve years in India as a soldier  of East India Company. His description about India gets motivated John Thomas. He joined Deacon degree and completed in 1835 and became Reverent in 1836. In order to preach Indians, he started learning Hindi. He started his journey by the Wellington Ship from England  in August and reached Chennai on the Christmas day in 1836. On February 5^th, 1837 he landed Tirunelveli as C.M.S. missionary, where he started learning Tamil Language , within ten months he gave Christmas message in Tamil in the Meignanapuram Church,⁸ where he continued his work for more than 30 years.⁹ He  took the village to his heart and designed  and converted into Oasis of prosperity and plenty. He designed the magnificent church, which is a ‘must’ for any visitor to Tirunelveli.

LOCATION :

     Megnanapuram lies in the southern side of Thoothukudi district, at about 6 km east of Sattankulam and 11 km south of Nazareth. Udangudi is the nearest town..¹⁰

Rev. John Thomas – a master builder of Meignanapuram :

       Rev. John Thomas took charge of this village congregation in 1837 was the man behind the alround development of Meignanapuram village.  He was a great visionary while there was only the population of this village was 338, among them  only 140 were converted and baptized, but he built a very beautiful and impressive Church in Catholic style or Gothic style big enough to hold 3000 people.¹¹ At present,   Meignanapuram is a village panchayat ,just 13 Km West of the temple town of Tiruchendur.¹² 

One Rupee Church:

    By 1840,s  CMS had wisely decided to adapt the “Station Missionary System”. Its missionaries were to be located at strategic centers, each corresponding directly with the Madras Committee.  Pettitt, as the senior most among the new missionaries, was put in charge of the mission at the headquarters, Palayamkottai.  Next in importance was Megnanapuram, which developed under the fostering care of Rev. John Thomas.¹³ He built the massive and imposing church capped it with a stately spire (192 feet high),  designed by the London architect, Hussey and dedicated it on 9.10.1868 in the presence of Lord Napier, Governor of Madras,¹⁴ who acclaimed the church as the noblest he had seen in India, surpassing in beauty even St. Paul’s Cathedral, Calcutta.  Operating from Meignanapuram Rev. John Thomas spread the church to a network of villages around. Meignanapuram church is used to be referred to as the “One Rupee Church” as a rupee then contained 192 paise  and the height of the tower of the Church is 192 feet.¹⁵   By climbing a few storey up the tower, one can command a panoramic view of many miles of sandy places all around. There are seven storey in that steeple.  Only one person can stand on the top-most point.  From there one can see even Manapad.

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN LIKE MESTONE CHURCH  IN ENGLAND:

   In 1844, 20^th  June, Rev. Tucker laid the foundation stone for the church at Meignanapuram.¹⁶ First this Gothic style of the church  was designed by Deric, the famous architect by which the steeple tower lies in the mid point of the church.¹⁷   Later, this model of the church slightly changed by Hussey, the London architect.¹⁸  He designed on the model of Kent province, Good  Mestone Church in England,¹⁹ according to that plan the steeple in the front soaring into the sky a height of 192 feet.²⁰  This is one of the tallest steeple in India.

 DONARS AND MATERIAL USED FOR CONSTRUCTION :

      Material used for construction of this church was Pannamparai stones.²¹  Bishop Dalttrie donated the Alter table.²² Judge Edmand Story, I.C.S. of Palamcottah donated black and red stone for flooring of the Alter area.²³  .  The people of the village enormously donate²⁴ Pathaneer, Kadukkai, Egg, Honey, and Kooppathaneer  [liquid obtained from  palmyra tree is heated] and co – operate with Rev. Thomas to built the marvelous building in Meignanapuram.

     Pathaneer , a liquid obtained from Palmyra  tree is used for preparing mortar. Pathaneer is heated and mixed with Limestone and grind in Ammikkal [grinding stone for preparing masala in villages].  The person work in that area were directly supervised by Rev. Thomas.  He insist them to prepare the mortar like Butter.²⁵ It is difficult to believe that mortar is used for construction. Because, the walls are looking like the stones arranged one over the other without mortar.

SALARY FOR THE WORKERS - Kaal Thuttu (Quarter Paise):    Oral traditions says that in those days the numismatics used by the people is Thuttu in Tamil.  The people who worked as Chittaal  [assistant to the Mason]earn Kaal Thuttu. Kaal Thuttu is equal to 1/192.²⁶ [One rupees is equal to 192 Thuttu or Paisa].  The Mason paid 1 ¼ Thuttu,²⁷ that is equall to 5 /192 [Five Kaal Thuttu]      

CHURCH BELL AND ITS UNIQUE FEATURES :

     The Church bell imported from England by ship.²⁸  Due to the carelessness of the workers the bell fell down while shifting,  that cause for the damage of the bell. Immediately with the help of Indian labours, the bell was repaired and installed without any defect found in its bell sound.  Still it is in good working condition.  For instance, Bishop Stephen  Neil, who visited Tinnevelli for Bicentenary celebration, at that time, all church bell sounds recorded and played before him, when the Meignanapuram bell rank in the audio, immediately he recognized the bell sound after 35 years and pronounce the church name and smile.²⁹ This bell has raised a unique sound rather than other church bell in India.

MEASUREMENT OF THE CHURCH BELL:

The Circumference of the bottom of the bell is 7 feet, height of the bell is 2 ½ feet, the tongue of the bell is 2 feet and its diameter of 2 ¼ feet. ³⁰

     This bronze bell is kept on the 3^rd floor of the steeple tower.  This bell is connected with a rolling pins. A rope connected with a wheel from the 1^st floor helps to ring the bell.  Outside the bell is connected a hammer like structure with the Tower Clock machines.  By this, every hour, bell  rings from the steeple tower clock.³¹

STRUCTURE OF STEEPLE TOWER CLOCK :  

       Tower clocks are  round in shape.  It has two clocks. One clock  is small and another one is big in size in the steeple tower. Both clocks are connected with a single machine. ³²

  

  The diameter of the big clock is 5 feet. The long needle of the clock is 2 ½ feet, the small needle is 2 feet. The length of the pendulum is 5 ¾ feet.  The machine is activate from the 2^nd floor.  The small clock  is also attached with this machine. The dial of the clocks are arranged in an opposite direction as it checked from the machine room. If we check the time in the small clock enable us to check the tower clock.  The small clock’s diameter is 6 inches, the long needle is 2 ½ inches, and small needle is 2 inches respectively.³³

FUNCTION OF THE CLOCKS:    

    Once in a week 26 keys is needed to activate  the clock machine, whereas 85 keys are required to ring the bell for every hour. ³⁴ This bell is not only used for church activities, but also used at the time of flood and fire to alert the people.  Still this church bell and clocks function without any defect for the past 166 years.³⁵  

 FIXING COPING STONE OF THE STEEPLE TOWER :

   On 9^th October 1868, Lord Napier ,the then Governor of Madras Presidency and his Wife visited and participated the function of the installation of the coping (corner top) stone³⁶ in the steeple tower. The imposing steeple, 192 ft high, was added in 1868, the coping stone being fixed by Lord Napier.  The measurement of the  top stone is 80 inches.³⁷   Lord Nepier, who dedicated this Church Tower and who in his way a no mean critic of Architecture, described this church as a finest attempt he had seen to transplant the splendours of Gothic Architecture into a soil and atmosphere not by any means favourable to it.  He was greatly taken up with this church that he rode on his mare all around this church  to different points from which he could view the splendour of this Church and was never tired afterwards at expressing his admiration of its beauty.³⁸

STRUCTURE OF THE STEEPLE TOWER :

      There are seven storey in the steeple tower.  The first four storey are square in structure.  Above the fourth storey, octagonal shape³⁹ with steeple structure is used. Above the seventh tower eight sided  3 stones fixed one over the another with out using any building material.  The middle part of the stone curved out and insert one over the other.  The height of the three stone is 8 inches each.  The eighth stone laid on the top, which is a single stone with octagonal shape.  The bottom of the stone is 60 inches.  The Circumference of the abacus stone is 5 inches each with total of 40 inches.  The Mahudakkal ⁴⁰or the octagonal shape of the top stone curved out 10 inches of each side with 80 inches circumference.  A hole was made in the middle of the stone and fixed with the abacus stone.  Thus, this church is the model of other South India Churches.⁴¹ Otherwise , all churches may be built like granary hall.⁴²

Magnatic rod:    

   In order to safeguard  this steeple tower from lightening, where there is a magnetic needle is installed. It is 4 ½ feet height , with 4 rods directing 4 cordinal directions and 1 rod is in upward direction towards sky. Magnetic needle is inserted inside the Mahudakkal. In the southern side is connected with iron rods and cellular glass, which helps the magnetic rod keep away from the tower⁴³

.WOODEN RATCHET :

     Wooden ratchet fixed in the southern side of the seventh storey.⁴⁴ It may be used for hoisting church flag during the festival days.  No other information is available regarding this wooden ratchet.  But still it is there without any use.

Size of the church:

      The Church is 128 feet 8 inches long and 58 feet 6 inches wide, 60 feet height to the roof and with a steeple in the front soaring into the sky a height of 192 feet.⁴⁵ This is one of the biggest Churches with the tallest steeple  in India.

INNER MEASUREMENT OF THE CHURCH :

     Except Alter area , the length of the church is 91 feet, 58 ½ feet width.  North and South Dressing room (Angi Room or Reverent Dressing Room) 15 feet length and breath.  The front view of the church or Mun Mandapam (front portion of the church) length and breath is 14 x 14 feet.  The length of the Alter is 10’ 2” and breath is 20 feet.  The Holy place or the front place inside the church is 13 ½ of feet length and 20 feet width.  Inner height of the roofing is about 60 feet.⁴⁶

INTRODUCTION OF PANCHAYAT SYSTEM :

    Apart from church construction , Thomas introducing the Panchayat System in Mengnanapuram⁴⁷ church for the purpose of settling disputes between Christians.  He himself was sometimes present and helped to put them in the way.  He said that a great deal of litigation and unpleasant quarrelling was avoided by this systems.  He strictly excluding caste from all church life, seeking to avoid unnecessary interference with  the homes and private lives of Christians.

InCULCATE THE VALUE of Offering to church:

     Many times he inculcated  the value of offering to church.  But the people of Meignanapuram were not respond and practiced in Church service on Sunday.  In order to change the mentality of the people, on one Sunday, he stood in front of the church with  a silver plate with full of coins and ask the people about the offering, if they didn’t bring offering for the church means ask them to take a coin from the plate and insist them to offer during  the offering time. At the  first time, all coins took by the people as the plate was empty.  He continued the same practice in the next Sunday also.  On that day a lot of coins remained in the plate.  He repeats the same on the third week also. That day no one was taking coins from his plate.⁴⁸ Thus, he inculcate the good practices of giving and sharing their wealth with others. Now this is the prime factor  for the growth and development of church administration in India.

COMMON DINNER OR ASANAM :

     Every year around 25th January there will be a religious ceremonies, thereafter the main attraction of the festival is the Community Dinner or 'Anna thanam'  or Asanam in Tamil serving nearly one lakh people of all caste, creed and religion had taken part in this assanam  in rememberance of the church dedication day.⁴⁹ The whole church will be illuminated on that day. The tower is visible even from 10 km distance. Hindus living in Muthulakshmipuram (it is also part of Meignanapuram) and Semmarikulam (nearby village) also generously contribute for the church dedication day celebrations.⁵⁰ 

      I conclude that Rev. John Thomas, the Apostle of South Tiruneveli is not only impart Christian thoughts in the mind of people of Meignanapuram, but also inculcate the moral values through his continuous efforts and live one among the village people and work for the cause of education.  Due to his efforts he erect a wonderful model for South Indian Churches at Meignanapuram.  Hence, we call him as the master builder of South Indian Church or Father of South Indian Church.  After thirty three years of his service, he rest in peace on 28^th March, 1870.  Indianisation of their customs and the Hindu tradition, the Hindus who were  converted into Christians loved Rev. John Thomas to that extent that they decided to bury his dead body  in a corner of the Mengnanapuram Church.⁵¹  The work left by him was continued by his widow and daughter at Mengnanapuram  till their death.

Reference:

1.robert Yesudian George,(Prof.) My Family in Meignanapuram in the First Half of 20^th Century: An Abbreviated History, USA, 1997;Thangaraj. D. (Prof.)A report of the Bishop Stephen Neill study and Research Centre, Palayamkottai

2. Dharmaraj Paul Pandian.M, Meignanapuram Kanda Inba Naal, 150^th Anniversary Souvenir, 1997.

3.Rev. R. Joshep, A sesquicentenary Accolade to Rev. John Thomas and an act of commitment and rededication for the community of faith ,  150^th Anniversary Souvenir, 1997;R.S. Jacob, Oorum Perum, Vol. II, Palai Jeya Publishers, Santhinagar, June,2004, p.112; Paul Appasamy, , The Centenary History of the C.M.S. in Tirunelveli, Palamcottai, 1923; p. 168.

4.Robert Yesudian George,(Prof.) op. cit.,USA.

5.  Paul Appasamy, Op. cit., pp.111-112.

6.Amirthanayagam.V., The Church which made a Hamlet Famous, 150^th Anniversary   Souvenir, Palayamkottah, 1997; Jacob, R.S., Oorum Perum –Part –II, Palai Jeya Publications, Shanthinagar, 1^st edition, June,2004, p. 185; Jayasingh,(Dr.), History of Meignanapuram, Madras., 1997; Jayaraj Paul. J.D., (Captain), John Thomas Iyerravalkkalum Meignanapurammum, 150^th Anniversary Souvenir, 1997.

7.David & Sarojini Packiamuthu (eds.), Puthiathore Samudayam – A new society, Grow and Increase Publications, Tirunelveli, 2001, p.xxx

8. Jayaraj Paul. J.D., Op.cit.

9.Appasamy, op.cit., pp.111-112.

11. Jayaraj Paul. J.D., Op.cit.

12. Amirthanayagam.V. op.cit.

13. An inscription source found on the Northern wall in front of the Alter  in St. Paul’s Cathedral, Meignanapuram;Saroja Rathnaraj, Varallattru Methai Rabert Coldwell Aththiatture John Thomas Iyyeraip pattri Curriyathu (Tamil article), published in 150^th Anniversary Souvenir, 1997.

14. A bronze inscription found inside the church at Meignanapuram; Jayaraj Paul.J.D. (Retired Principal, C P A College, Bodi) John Thomas Iyyeravarkalum Meignanapuramum (Tamil article published in the 150^th Anniversary Souvenir, 1997).

15. Ibid., Amirthanayagam.V., The Church Which made a Hamlet Famous, 150^th Anniversary Souvenir, 1997 and many more references available.

16. A bronze inscription found inside the St. Paul’s Church at Meignanapuram.

17. Jayarai Paul., op.cit., 1997.

18. Ibid.

19. Jason S. Dharmaraj. (Rev.), The Church of South India, Tirunelveli Diocese,  A  Greeting  message written on11th January, 1997 to 150^th Anniversary Souvenir, 1997.

20.Amirthanayagam.V., Op.cit., 1997; Jayaraj paul, Op. Cit., 1997;

21.Jayaraj Paul.J.D., op. cit., 1997.

22.Ibid.

23.Ibid.

24.Oral Taditions and hear say accounts.

25. Ibid.

26.Ibid.

27.Ibid.

28Jayaraj Paul. J. D., Op.cit., 1997; Selvaraj Taylor, Parisuththa Pauvoolin Aalaya Mani, A Tamil article published by St. Paul’s Church, Meignanapuram, 1997.

29An article published in 150^th  Souvenir entitled “Bishop Stephen Neil Duraiyum Nam Aalaya Maniyum”, 1997.

30.Selvaraj Taylor, Parisuththa Pavullin AAllaya Mani, (Tamil article) Meignanapuram, 1997.

31. Rajammmal G Thiyagarajan of Meignanapuram inherit the folk lore  manual written by an unknown author in 1889 from his father – in – law Mr, Gurupatham, (Inspector)who  preserved the folk lore and it was handed over by Mrs. Rajammal   to the Meignanapuram Church.  It is a valuable  Folk lore with 14 stanzas describe about the structure and facilities available in Meignanapuram Church built by Rev. John Thomas.

32. Ibid.

33.Ibid; Selvaraj Taylor, Op. Cit., 1997.

34.Folk lore by unknown author written in 1889, donated by Mrs. Rajammal to Meignanapuram Church on the occasion of sesquicentenary celebration in 1997.

35.Ibid.; Selvaraj Taylor, Op. Cit., 1997.

36.An inscription found in St. Paul’s Church at Meignanapuram; Paul Appasamy,op.cit., pp.153-4.

37. Simon.D, Former Tirunelveli Diocease Council Member, . Information compiled from   “Statistical report on St. Paul’s Church” (Tamil Article) published in “The Centenary Celebration of Tirunelveli Diocese” Souvenir,1985; Reprinted in the 150^th St. Paul’s Church Anniversary Souvenir, Meignanapuram, 1997.

38. Ibid; Paul Appasamy, Op. cit., p. 154.

39. Ibid.

40. Ibid.

41. Ibid; Paul Appasamy, Op. cit. p.168.

42. Ibid.

43. A Manual folk song  written by unknown author in 1889 donated by Mrs. Rajammal to  Meignanapuram Church, Tirunelveli district.

44.Simon.D, Op. cit., 1985.

45.Amirthanayagam. V. Op. Cit. 1997.

46.    Ibid., The Centenary Celebration Souvenir, 1985.

47.    Paul Appasamy, The C.M.S. Centenary History of Tirunelveli, p.189

48.    Jacob.R.S., op.cit., p.112.

49.Amirthanayagam. V., op.cit., 1997.

50.Ibid.

51.An inscription laid on the Northern side of in front of Alter at St. Paul’s Church, Meignanapuram; Paul Appasamy, op. cit. p.167.

REV. JOHN THOMAS – “ONE RUPEE CHURCH” a master piece of south indian churches

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