History of Presbyterian Church Masihi Mandir, Indore
Institution Name: Presbyterian Church Masihi Mandir
Address: 61, Shraddhanand Marg, chhawni, Indore (M.P.)
Establishment and Land Grant
The congregation of the Presbyterian Christian community was established by Canadian Missionaries in the Malwa region in the year 1885. Initially, the Christian society did not have a place for worship, so they would hold their prayers here and there. In those days, the Holkar dynasty ruled Indore.
One day, two Canadian missionaries were standing on the road preaching Christianity. Many people gathered there to listen to them. At the same time, the procession of Maharani Holkar was passing by. Seeing the crowd gathered, the Maharani, out of curiosity, asked her subordinates what the crowd was about.
The staff investigated and informed the Maharani that some fair-skinned Christian missionary was preaching there. The Maharani then called the two missionaries who were preaching and asked why they were preaching on the road.
The missionaries explained that they did not have their own place where they could hold prayers and worship. The Maharani then said, "I will speak to the Maharaja and arrange a place for you."
After some time, the Maharani spoke to Maharaja Holkar and had 4 hectares of land donated to the Canadian Presbyterian Mission. This land currently houses the Christian College, Mission Hospital, and Masihi Mandir. The Christian College was built first, followed by the Mission Hospital.
Construction of the Church Building
In those days, there was no building for the local Presbyterian community to hold prayers and worship. The local Presbyterian people requested the Canadian Presbyterian Mission for a place to build a church.
The Canadian Presbyterian Mission institution then gave the local Presbyterian Christians the land for the current church building—85 x 120 = 10,200 square feet—out of the land they had received as a donation from Maharaja Holkar.
The blueprint for the church building on this land was approved by the Municipal Corporation. The construction of the church building began in 1925.
The local Christians provided their full financial support and voluntary labor (Shram-Dan) for this construction. The church building was constructed according to the Gothic design. The building took approximately 9 years to complete.
After the completion of the building, it was inaugurated on October 10, 1926, with a grand assembly and was named "Masihi Mandir" (Temple of Christ). Since then, the local Presbyterian community has been praying here.
From 1926 until now, the anointed pastors of the Lord who have led the church in worship include: Pastor Jacob Masih, Pastor D. Pataliya, Pastor Raghunath, Pastor Mangalwadi, Pastor R.W. Netram, Pastor Manohar Singh, Pastor Goodwin, Pastor Shantvanshan, and others.
The church was built using materials like lime and sand, with no use of iron girders, which caused the building to fall into a dilapidated condition. Therefore, the local Presbyterian Church carried out the reconstruction (renovation) of this crumbling building in 2001.
Modernization and Current Status
The building was renovated, breathing new life into it. If it not been renovated in time, the building might have collapsed.
- Following that, the roof of the church building was replaced in 2017.
- In 2015, Makrana marble was installed on the church floor (previously, there were old tiles).
- Paver blocks were laid in the compound outside the church.
- A new Pastor's Residence was constructed, along with new sanitation facilities (toilets).
- Quarters for the church staff were also built, and a shed was constructed inside the church boundary.
To date, the Presbyterian Church congregation has spent approximately ₹40–50 lakhs on the maintenance of this building. Today, the Masihi Mandir Church building is considered the most beautiful, well-organized, and largest church in Indore.
The Presbyterian Church Masihi Mandir building has also been provided to three other institutions for Sunday worship besides our own... Despite various forms of persecution, the Lord thwarted their every conspiracy, and the court case was decided in favor of the Presbyterian Church Secretary, Shri Yashwant Netram.
Contribution and Activities of the Congregation
The Presbyterian Church congregation has been a major contributor to all the large conventions of God's servants held in the city of Indore...
The Presbyterian Church is a congregation that walks in the fear and reverence of the Lord. Every work of the congregation is done in accordance with the rules of the Bible and the Word of the Lord.
- Currently, approximately 500 regular members participate in worship every Sunday.
- People from all places come to listen to the Word of the Lord.
- The church runs a "Youth Fellowship" for the young people.
- A "Women's Meeting" is run by the women.
- A "Sunday School" is held for the children.
Social Services (only for christian community):
- The congregation provides financial assistance to needy families.
- They pay the fees for poor children.
- Widow pension is provided.
- Immediate financial help is given if someone is sick or has an accident.
- Assistance is also provided for business/vocation to poor families.
- Financial help is provided for the marriages of girls from poor families.
Our Mission, Vision and Values
To empower and uplift our community through compassion, service and faith.
A welcoming place where everyone can grow, connect and thrive together.
Kindness, integrity, inclusivity and a commitment to continuous learning.
Leadership Team
Rev. Pastor in charge
Secretary
Presbyterian choir