IPC Kechery Church
Early Background
There was a time when there was not even a single Pentecostal church in the 23-kilometre stretch between Thrissur, the cultural capital of Kerala, and Kunnamkulam, the commercial town. There was not even a small influence of the early Pentecostal revival in any of these villages. It was during this period that Brother Lazar Muttath, who had come to Madras in connection with his work, came to faith. In 1984, the blessed evangelist Pastor Vijaya Raghavan came from Madras and stayed at Lazar Muttath's home in Eranellure, conducting ministry in the nearby areas. During this period, ministry was carried out in Choondal, Puthussery, Kapparambu and Edakkalthur, and home prayer meetings were started.
In 1986, Lazar Muttath resigned from his job and dedicated his life to the Gospel. He visited homes and conducted prayer meetings together with Pastor Vijaya Raghavan. Through miraculous healings and deliverances, many people came forward. Opportunities were received to pray in many homes in Edakkalthur. After a brother named Shankaran was healed from a long-standing illness, everyone in that household believed in the Lord.
Formation of the Church and the Early Fellowship
During that period, Lazar Muttath attended IPC Kunnamkulam Salem Church for worship and shared his experiences through his testimony. The very next day, Brother K. K. Philip took the initiative and came to Lazar Muttath's home with Pastor T. K. Godson and Pastor C. C. Babu to discuss ministry in this area. Arrangements were then made quickly.
On Sunday, 8 June 1986, at 4:00 PM, the gathering of the Kechery Church began with the permission of Pastor K. M. John, the minister of the IPC Kunnamkulam Centre. The meeting was held in a rented building at the Kapparambu Centre. After a few weeks, it was moved from there to a rented building at Thekke Mukku, Eranellure, where Pastor Godson was staying.
From Edakkalthur, Shankaran, his wife Kali, their children Thankappan, Rajan and Vasu, Kali's sister Thankamma, and Anand, Chandan and Suresh; from Kapparambu, Thomas, his wife Mary and their son Paulson; and from Parannoor, Brother Thampi, Brother Rajan and many others began attending the church meetings. Brother Lazar Muttath separated himself for full-time ministry after completing Bible College studies.
Similarly, Brother K. S. Thankachan from Edakkalthur left his secular work, became a full-time evangelist, later completed Bible College studies and entered ministry. From 1986 to 1991, Pastor T. K. Godson served and led many people to baptism. During this time, the church conducted Bible classes at Guruvayur and Parappur. Through them, many came to faith and became ministers. Pastor Kuriakose Chakemakkil, the pastor of Paluvai Bethel Church, was one of the servants of God who came forward through this ministry.
Opposition and Martyrdom
During this period, the ministry in Edakkalthur faced strong opposition. Pastor Vijaya Raghavan was repeatedly subjected to severe attacks by opponents of the Gospel. In Parappur, the home of Brother John, who had come to faith, was opened for prayer. Among his siblings, only Brother Bhasi had understanding; his mother, two sisters and one brother were suffering from mental illness.
However, after recognizing the love of God, Brother Bhasi worked very enthusiastically for the Lord. One day, on his way back after a prayer meeting at Brother Shankaran's home in Edakkalthur, opponents of the Gospel forcibly stopped Brother Bhasi and severely assaulted him. Within a few days, his physical condition worsened and he became weak. After several days, he was taken into eternity. It is remembered that the words “Even though I came to shed hot blood...” were the last lines he sang at a church meeting. Thus Brother Bhasi became a martyr who shed his blood for the Lord.
Construction of the Church Building and Growth
After Pastor Godson was transferred in 1991, Pastor C. C. Babu took charge. Brother Lazar Muttath opened his home for worship, and for about five years the gatherings continued there.
Fasting prayers and other revival meetings were conducted, the number of people increased, and prayer began for purchasing land and building a church. Lazar Muttath gave 5 cents of land near his home to the church free of cost and 3 cents at a price. As a result of Pastor C. C. Babu's sincere efforts, on 27 January 1993, Pastor T. J. Philip, the minister of the IPC Kunnamkulam Centre, prayed and began the construction work of the church building. Every person in the church worked hard, and as a result the work was completed in different stages.
Ministers and Periods of Service
| Period | Minister | Main Activities |
|---|---|---|
| May 1996 – April 1999 | Pastor K. T. Philip | Worked on the hall. Many families joined. |
| May 1999 – April 2002 | Pastor T. K. Zacharia | Completed the hall construction. |
| May 2002 – April 2006 | Pastor C. I. Kochunni | Constructed the front portion of the hall and built the parsonage. |
| May 2006 – April 2007 | Pastor P. Varghese | Led the church ministry. |
| May 2007 – April 2009 | Pastor Unni | Led the church ministry. |
| May 2009 – April 2012 | Pastor Sajipaul | Conducted the Jubilee Convention in the 25th year and published a souvenir. |
| May 2012 – April 2015 | Pastor Mathew Lal | Led the church ministry. |
| May 2015 – April 2018 | Pastor M. C. Biju | Built a spacious parsonage above the hall. |
| May 2018 – April 2022 | Pastor K. C. Thomas | Led the church ministry. |
| May 2022 – August 2023 | Pastor Binil K. Varghese | Led the church ministry. |
| August 2023 – April 2024 | Pastor Sam Varghese | Centre Minister. |
| From April 2024 | Pastor P. K. Madhu | Current church minister. |
Remembered Personalities
The beloved people of the church who have gone to be with the Lord can never be forgotten. They have made valuable contributions to the church.
Pastor K. S. Thankachan, who entered eternity in 2009, was an early worker of the church and served as Secretary and Treasurer. He also ministered in several churches in the Centre. Pastor Paulose served in various churches in the Centre. Brother Bens served sincerely as the church Secretary and Treasurer. Brother C. C. Kurian served as the church Secretary and Treasurer and also led charity activities in the Centre and other organisations.
Although their departure is a great loss to the church, the hope of seeing them again in the golden dawn of hope is a great comfort.
The Church's Influence and Auxiliary Organisations
There are several churches in the surrounding areas that were formed under the influence of the Kechery Church. We remember with pride that the workers at Kechery were able to give strength to the ministries in Parappur, Choondal, Guruvayur, Velur and Puthussery.
The Sunday School, PYPA activities and Sisters' Fellowship activities, which hold a prominent place in the Kunnamkulam Centre, are all sufficient to nurture future generations in Christ.
Church Leadership & Committee
| Church Leadership & Committee | Auxiliary Organisations |
|---|---|
| Church Minister: Pastor P. K. Madhu Vice President: Shajan Muttath Secretary: Brother Charlie Treasurer: Brother Xavier Joint Secretary: Brother C. C. Francis | Sunday School Head Teacher: Sister Leelamma Rajan PYPA Secretary: Jerin Charlie Sisters' Fellowship President: Sister Sheeba Madhu Sisters' Fellowship Secretary: Sister Feba Shajan |