Centenary Baptist Church, Clock Tower, Secunderabad

The Centenary Baptist Church is a Baptist church in the city of Secunderabad, India. It was established in the year 1875 and has a current membership of more than 3000 members. The original older structure and a new centenary structure built in 1991 exist side by side in the same premises. Worship services are only held in the new sanctuary. The church offers services in Telugu, English, Hindi and Manipuri.^[1]

History

The church was established on November 14, 1875 by Rev. W. W. Campbell, a Baptist missionary. The first member of the congregation was Richard B. Clayburn, who was baptized on December 5, 1875. The first native pastor Bezwada Paul was appointed in 1895. The foundation stone for the existing new church structure was laid by Rev I. F. Knoll on November 14, 1975 during the ministry of Rev Karra Devadanam, exactly 100 years after the first structure was built. The church was appropriately named Centenary Baptist Church. The groundbreaking however took place five years later in the year 1980. The new sanctuary was completed and consecrated by Rev. G. Solomon on February 17, 1991. It took more than 10 years to build the existing structure.

The church now operates 35 branch churches and 15 gospel centers in around the cities of Secunderabad and Hyderabad.^[1] Now the present pastor is Nalla Thomas.

Architecture

The old church is a simple Gothic structure whereas the new church is a modern structure incorporating several elements of traditional church architecture such as Gothic styled windows. A two storied bell tower forms the facade of the church.

See also

• List of churches in Secunderabad and Hyderabad
• Secunderabad Clock Tower
• St. John's Church, Secunderabad

References

Coordinates: 17°26′24.47″N 78°29′58.33″E / 17.4401306°N 78.4995361°E / 17.4401306; 78.4995361