Thachanallur Pastorate is a pastorate that is located in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It belongs to Tirunelveli district. Thachanallur Pastorate was earlier associated with the Tirunelveli Junction Pastorate but in the year 2009 it was separated and it thus materialised as a complete new pastorate. It is affiliated to the North-West Council of the Thirunelveli district.
History of Thachanallur Pastorate
Earlier the Christian people resided in a small town known as Thachanallur. They soon formed a group and began assembling in a TDTA primary school. The school belonged to the Tirunelveli Junction Pastorate. It was a church that was given the name `The Christ Church` by Rev. Clement Duraisingh. Mr. P. Koilpillai was the first Catechist of the church. He is known to have contributed immensely for the growth and development of the church and is thus still known as one of the strong pillars and contributors of the church. He is still remembered with great respect. Members of the Christian community regularly gathered here for praying and worshipping. It is said that one day while praying the members of the congregation received a vision of constructing a new church for themselves. Soon various measures were taken to fulfil the vision.
A land for the church was chosen and brought near the southern bye pass road. Though the members had the desire to build a new church, they did not possess much money to begin with the construction of the building. It is said that at that moment Mr. Thangadurai Dhanaraj took the responsibility of catechist. Under his guidance the church was soon constructed and on 18th February 1996 the gates of the church were opened for the people for worship. The church was then re-named as `Good Shepherd Church` by Rev. Clement Duraisingh. Later during the year 2006 Mr. Andrew became the congregation. Presently he still continues to hold the same position. Presently there are more than 100 families with about 450 congregants having their membership in the church. They are spread over a wide geographical area, extending from Balabagya Nagar, Melakarai, Azhaganeri, up to Thachanallur. For over many generations a number of families are living close to the church.
Choir of Thachanallur Pastorate
Mr. E. Rajkumar is the church Choir Master along with the members like Mr. Immanuel Victor, the first organist followed by Mr. Dhinagar Vivin Christlin, Mr. C.V. Rajkumar, Mr. A. Nirmal Kumar and at present Mr. S. Arwin. The Choir in this congregation stands as a leading figure to numerous of churches in the neighbouring area.
Visiting Information of Thachanallur Pastorate
Thachanallur is located at about 9 kilometres from Thirunelveli, 156 kilometres from Madurai and 156 kilometres from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Thirunelveli and Nearest Airport is located at Madurai and Thiruvananthapuram.
