Golden Jubilee · 1976–2026

Holy Jerusalem Church (CNI)50 Years of God's Faithfulness

Marol Pipeline, Andheri East, Mumbai 400059

Holy Jerusalem Church building, Marol Pipeline
50Years1976–2026

“For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.”

Psalm 100:5
Our Beginnings

A small beginning, a great journey of faith

Every church has a story. Ours is one of faith, prayer, sacrifice and commitment.

Holy Jerusalem Church was established on 20th November 1976, beginning with a small gathering of believers who shared a vision of a place of worship and fellowship.

The earliest services were held in a small room at Uma Chawl, Technical Area, Marol Pipeline, with just four to five families. What began as a humble gathering grew into a congregation united in faith and devotion to God.

In those years there was no Tamil-speaking pastorate church in the Andheri–Marol area. Families travelled to their mother church, Good Shepherd Church, Dharavi, or to nearby prayer houses. With the guidance of Late Rev. S. James Paul, then Reverend of Good Shepherd Church, the founding members took the initiative to establish Holy Jerusalem Church.

20th November remains the official Church Day. The annual festival was later moved to 11th November to avoid clashing with the Ayyappa Temple festival held the same day, so that celebrations could be held peacefully with the whole congregation.

1976Congregation founded, 20 Nov
1982Land purchased & church built
5Founding members
17Pastorates served

Built by many hands

When the church was built on a levelled pit at Marol Pipeline, help came from people of every faith: a Muslim family donated bricks and a Hindu family contributed sand, a true reflection of communal harmony.

Our First Reverend

Late Rev. S. James Paul guided the congregation through its formative years and suggested the name “Holy Jerusalem Church,” which the congregation adopted.

In Grateful Memory

Our Founder Members

Their commitment and sacrifices laid the foundation of Holy Jerusalem Church. Their dedication, vision and perseverance remain part of our heritage.

Late Mr. S. Manuvelraj

Mr. S. Manuvelraj

Late
Late Mr. S. Dharmaraj

Mr. S. Dharmaraj

Late
Late Mr. K. Azariah Joseph

Mr. K. Azariah Joseph

Late
Late Mr. S. Gnanamanickam

Mr. S. Gnanamanickam

Late
TA

Mr. T. Azariah

Late

A growing fellowship

As the vision took shape, families from nearby neighbourhoods joined the congregation, among them the families of Late Mr. V. Moses, Late Mr. T. Israel, Mr. R. Thangaraj of Vijay Nagar, Late Mr. Gilbert of Powai and Late Mr. John Ratnaraj of Sakinaka. Their participation strengthened the growing fellowship.

A permanent home

Late Rt. Rev. Samuel Bright Joshua, then Bishop of Bombay, inaugurated the congregation in 1976 and the church building in 1982. Mr. M. S. Kasilingam gave valuable help during construction, and Late Mr. Gilbert & family of Powai and Late Mr. Koil Thangaiah & family supported the church financially after it was built.

Our Journey Through the Years

Reverends Who Have Shepherded Us

Seventeen pastorates across five decades, each leaving its mark on our congregation.

1
Rev. S. James Paul1976 – 1981
2
Rev. J. Chandrakumar1981 – 1983
3
Rev. Nelson S. Joseph1983 – 1986
4
Rev. S. James Paul1986 – 1992
5
Rev. D. A. Johnson Selvaraj1992 – 2000
6
Rev. J. P. Asirvatham2000 – 2002
7
Rev. P. Mathew Gnanasingamani2002 – 2004
8
Rev. B. S. Christdoss2004 – 2005
9
Rev. John Dason2005 – 2006
10
Rev. J. P. Asirvatham2006 – 2007
11
Rev. P. William James2007 – 2011
12
Rev. John Thavakumar2011 – 2015
13
Rev. B. S. Christdoss2015 – 2016
14
Rev. D. David Paramanantham2016 – 2019
15
Rev. Prabhu D. Jebamani2019 – 2023
16
Rev. I. Kingsley Johnpaul2023 – 2026
17
Rev. J. Suresh Kumar2026 – Present
Significant Milestones

Fifty Years, Faithfully Built

1982
Land & Church Building

The purchase of the church land

The Marol Pipeline plot was a defining moment. Originally a pit, the land was filled and levelled to make way for a permanent church. It was purchased during the tenure of Rev. J. Chandrakumar as Presbyter-in-Charge.

Church building inaugurated, 1982

by Late Rt. Rev. Samuel Bright Joshua, Bishop of Bombay, who had also inaugurated the congregation in 1976.

1998
Vertical Extension

A balcony and church office

During the tenure of Rev. D. A. Johnson Selvaraj, the church was extended upward with a balcony and church office, adding seating and space for the congregation. The then Corporator, Mr. Hegde, and Mr. M. S. Kasilingam extended valuable support.

Church interior with balcony
2007
15 August 2007

The church parsonage

The parsonage at Lake Bloom Co-operative Society, Powai (Flat No. B/601) was purchased under the mentorship of Rev. B. S. Christdoss, during the tenure of Rev. J. P. Asirvatham as Presbyter-in-Charge.

Parsonage dedication plaque
2013
10 February 2013

Vishwa Wani Church, Wadegaon

Dedicated during the tenure of Rev. John Thavakumar, a significant milestone in the wider ministry and outreach of the church.

Vishwa Wani Church, WadegaonVishwa Wani Church front
2020
19 October 2020

Renovation of Holy Jerusalem Church

Initiated under the mentorship of Rev. D. David Paramanantham and begun during the tenure of Rev. Prabhu D. Jebamani. The renovated church was inaugurated on 14 November 2021 by founder member Mr. S. Dharmaraj.

Renovated church exteriorRenovated church facade
2026
18 October 2026

FMPB Church, Kamthadi, Kaprada, Valsad

As part of our Golden Jubilee, a new FMPB church was established at Kamthadi, Kaprada, Valsad, under the mentorship of Rev. I. Kingsley Johnpaul and dedicated during the tenure of Rev. J. Suresh Kumar. It is an expression of our commitment to share the Christian faith beyond our own congregation.

Congregation at the Golden JubileeChurch dedication celebration at night
2020 – 2021

A Journey of Faith, Unity and Perseverance

The renovation plan was initiated by Rev. D. David Paramanantham in 2018 and carried forward by Rev. Prabhu D. Jebamani, who motivated the church committee to bring the vision to completion.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown, Rev. Prabhu D. Jebamani, the committee members and Mr. Joseph Ratnaraj, who undertook the construction, worked with great dedication. The earnest prayers of the Church Women's Fellowship sustained the work throughout.

By God's grace, the renovated church was inaugurated on 14th November 2021 by founder member Mr. S. Dharmaraj, a testimony to faith, prayer, unity and teamwork.

Renovation work in progress
During
Church interior during renovation
During
Renovated Holy Jerusalem Church
Completed 2021
Office Bearers & Ministry Leaders

Those Who Served Over the Years

Tap a ministry to see the faithful servants who led it.

Catechists
  • Late Mr. Ponniah
  • Mr. P. Mathew Gnanasingamani
  • Mr. G. Augustine
  • Mr. P. A. Chelladurai
  • Mr. John Appadurai
Sextons
  • Mr. Rajan Devairrakam
  • Mr. Rajasingh
  • Mr. Selvin Manickam
  • Mr. Antony
  • Mr. K. Gabriel
  • Mr. A. G. Manidurai
  • Mr. V. Rajan
  • Mr. Luke Grason
Women's Fellowship Leaders
  • Mrs. Mariyal Koil
  • Mrs. Jeyanti Mathew
  • Mrs. Jeyanti Chelladurai
  • Mrs. Mangalamathi Asirvatham
  • Mrs. Selin Vedamuthu
  • Mrs. Golda Jesupatham
  • Mrs. Mary Devraj
  • Mrs. Banumathi Asir
  • Mrs. Esther Jeysingh
  • Mrs. Sheela Jagan
  • Mrs. Betty Allwyn
Sunday School Teachers
  • Mr. Victor
  • Mr. P. Mathew Gnanasingamani
  • Mrs. Jeyanti Mathew
  • Mrs. Amutha Joseph
  • Mrs. Golda Jesupatham
  • Mrs. Kavitha Rajendran
  • Mrs. Anbu Selvi
  • Mrs. Devika Selvaraj
  • Mrs. Stella Daniel
  • Mrs. Esther Premkumar
  • Mrs. Latha Joshua
  • Mrs. Ruby John
  • Mrs. Mercy Albert
  • Mrs. Jayamary Robert
  • Mrs. Subha Joseph
  • Ms. Regila Gunasekhar
  • Ms. Sushila Joseph
  • Mrs. Anista Johnson
  • Mrs. Thangamani
Balwadi Teachers
  • Mrs. Prema Augustine
  • Mrs. Esther Premkumar
  • Mrs. Selin Vedamuthu
  • Late Mrs. Rojamalar Manidurai
  • Mrs. Vasanthi Thangaraj
  • Mrs. Sheela Jagan
Teens Ministry
  • Mrs. Stella Daniel
  • Mrs. Golda Jesupatham
  • Mrs. Mary Devraj
Committee Members Over the Years
Late Mr. S. ManuvelrajLate Mr. S. DharmarajLate Mr. S. GnanamanickamLate Mr. K. Azariah JosephLate Mr. T. IsraelLate Mr. V. MosesLate Mr. S. GilbertMr. V. DavidLate Mr. V. PaulrajMr. AsirLate Mr. P. Elisha ChelliahMr. S. Joseph AdisayarajMr. C. John DevarajMr. P. DavidMr. D. AaronMr. D. Esa VedanayagamMr. SelvarajMr. K. GabrielLate Mr. P. DevairrakkamMr. C. Duraisingh SolomonMr. G. ChellackonLate Mr. S. RajendranMr. Selvin ManickamMr. Daniel RatnarajMr. E. VedamuthuMr. M. SelvinMr. Jeet GnanarajMr. Johnson ManuvelrajMrs. Mariyal KoilMrs. Sushila DavidMrs. Latha JoshuaMrs. Gethsi Anand
Our Legacy & Future

From Uma Chawl to Marol Pipeline

As Holy Jerusalem Church Tamil (CNI) celebrates its Golden Jubilee, we remember God's faithfulness from our humble beginning at Uma Chawl to our present church at Marol Pipeline. We honour our founder members, pastors, church leaders, families and congregation members whose prayers, dedication and sacrifices shaped the church over five decades.

We give thanks for the spiritual growth of our members. Rev. P. Mathew Gnanasingamani answered God's call and serves as a priest, an inspiration to our community, and Mr. Luke Grason is pursuing his studies towards priesthood. Many others serve faithfully in ministries, mission work and service to communities, making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

As we look ahead, may Holy Jerusalem Church continue to grow in faith, love, unity and service, nurturing future generations in Christ.

With hearts full of gratitude, we give all glory and honour to Almighty God for His guidance, protection and blessings throughout these 50 years.

A Message of Thanksgiving
Serving Today

Church Office Bearers & Ministry Leaders

Dedicated individuals serving the church's spiritual growth, administration, fellowship and ministry.

Presbyter-in-Charge

  • Rev. J. Suresh Kumar

Church Catechist

  • Mr. D. John Appadurai

Church Committee

  • CA. Dhanasingh MosesHon. Secretary
  • Mr. Joseph RatnarajJt. Secretary
  • Ms. Violet KoilHon. Treasurer
  • Mr. Allwyn SrinivasanJt. Treasurer
  • Mr. A. G. Manidurai
  • Mr. Abel Jebaraj
  • Mr. Victor Dharmaraj
  • Mr. Alex Vedamuthu
  • Mr. Jebaz Asirvatham
  • Mr. Ashir Thangaraj
  • Mrs. Esther Rajamani
  • Mrs. Esther Jeysingh
  • Mr. Samuel John

Men's Fellowship

  • Rev. J. Suresh KumarPresident
  • Mr. K. GabrielSecretary
  • Mr. Bhaskar MosesTreasurer

Women's Fellowship

  • Mrs. Anitha Suresh KumarPresident
  • Mrs. Betty AllwynSecretary
  • Mrs. Sheela JaganTreasurer

Youth Ministry

  • Mr. K. M. John WesleyAdvisor
  • Mr. Joseph JaganPresident
  • Ms. Esther Baby GeorgeSecretary
  • Mr. Albert ThangarajTreasurer

Sunday School

  • Mrs. Esther PremkumarSuperintendent
  • Mrs. Kavitha Rajendran
  • Mrs. Ruby Asirraja
  • Mrs. Latha Joshua
  • Mrs. Mercy Albert
  • Mrs. Subha Joseph
  • Mrs. Jayamary Robert
  • Ms. Regila Gunasekhar

Choir Ministry

  • Mr. John AsirvathamChoir Master
  • Mrs. Joyce DhanasinghChoir Co-ordinator

Music Team

  • Mr. Alen Matthew
  • Mr. Ashir Thangaraj
  • Mr. Joseph Jagan
  • Mr. Daryl Dhanasingh
  • Ms. Magiba Wesley
  • Master Sam Wesley
  • Master Noel Daniel
  • Mrs. Silba Joseph
  • Ms. Jennifer Devraj
  • Ms. Alisha Dhanasingh
  • Ms. Benicia Bhaskar
  • Mr. Glenn Joseph
  • Ms. Lovisha Premkumar

Social Media Team

  • Mr. Newton Jagan
  • Mr. Samuel Thangaraj
  • Mr. Robin Selvin
  • Ms. Libin Jayapaul

Sexton

  • Mr. Selvin Manickam
Together in Faith, United in Christ

Every Member, Every Ministry, One Church

The growth of our church has never been the effort of one person or one group. It is the fruit of the collective prayers, dedication, sacrifices and service of countless people over the years.

Priests & CatechistsMen's FellowshipWomen's FellowshipYouth FellowshipSunday SchoolHindi Sunday SchoolChoirMusic TeamSocial Media TeamSextonChurch CommitteeVolunteers

Above all, we remember those who work quietly behind the scenes. Their names may not always be mentioned, but their prayers, hard work, generosity, time and commitment have been invaluable to the growth and unity of our church.

The church is not merely a building; it is a community of believers united by faith, love and service.

Visit Us

You Are Welcome Here

Come worship with us at Marol Pipeline, Andheri East.

Address

Holy Jerusalem Church (CNI)
Marol Pipeline, Andheri East
Mumbai 400059

Worship Services

Please call or email the church office for service timings.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.”

Psalm 107:1