Our Church — Founding & Mission
St. Paul's Centenary Church was established in 1901 by Rev. John Harrison (Founder) with the vision to bring the Gospel to the surrounding community. Rev. John Harrison exemplifies unwavering commitment and devotion to the Lord Jesus. A truly selfless man, his remarkable works and enduring impact stand as powerful testimonies to his beloved God. The challenge of uncovering even a photograph or biography of him further underscores the authenticity of his character as a true Christian. In 1874, Rev. John Harrison wed Emma Henry Yatta, daughter of the esteemed Madras judge, Wilkils.
Ordained on February 6, 1870, Mr. John Harrison took on the noble role of priest in Bezawada (Vijayawada). Following Rev. Young Darling's departure to England, Rev. John Harrison graciously accepted the responsibility for the Anglo-Vernacular School and the mission's duties.
Hailing from England, Rev. John Harrison arrived in Bazawada City (Vijayawada), India, in 1867 as a missionary for the Church Mission Society (CMS). Upon his arrival, he witnessed the grandeur of temples built by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Muslims, and it became evident that it was God's divine plan for him to establish a church for the Christian community in Vijayawada.
In early 1843, Rev. Noble, followed by Rev. Henry Watson Fox, initiated gospel service through the Church Mission Society (CMS) in the region. Alongside visionaries like W. Ellington, W. Clayton, W.G. Baker, and H.W. Eales, Rev. John Harrison laid the foundational pillars of education and gospel preaching that would greatly impact the community.
Empowered by the support of the British government, fearless missionaries from the Church Mission Society (CMS)—including Rev. Turnington Noble (1843), Rev. Kannon, Rev. F.W.N. Alexander (1857), Rev. C. Tanner (1857), and Rev. Young Darling (1858)— played pivotal roles in advancing this mission.
In the 1850s, Rev. Tanner and Rev. Thomas Young Darling not only proclaimed the gospel but also ignited awareness in the spiritual realm, championing girl-child education and establishing the Anglo-Vernacular School (AVS), now known as Gandhi Municipal High School (Vijayawada).
On February 6, 1900, a significant milestone was celebrated as the foundation stone for the church was laid by the then Madras Bishop, Rev. Henry Whitehead. The construction commenced that very day, culminating in a remarkable ten-month endeavor. Located on the eastern side of the Anglo-Vernacular School grounds, this marked the groundbreaking occasion of building a church in Bezawada (Vijayawada), specifically in the thriving one town market area. The project cost approximately Rs. 17,000, with the British government generously contributing Rs. 10,000, while the remaining funds were graciously provided through anonymous donations.
On December 24, 1900, the church was dedicated as St. Paul’s Church, specifically for the service of the Christian community, under the blessing of Bishop Rev. Henry Whitehead. This monumental occasion was further enriched on February 17, 1901, by the esteemed presence of Bishop Rev. Henry Whitehead, the beloved founder Rev. John Harrison, and his wife, Emma Henry Yatta.
Tragically, due to deteriorating health, Emma Henry Yatta passed away in 1906. Just four years later, on October 9, 1909, Rev. John Harrison "slept in God." Their final resting place is at the then Bazawada (Vijayawada) Anglican cemetery near Bandarlakulu, Buckinghampeta, a poignant reminder of their lasting legacy in the community they so fervently served.
Our mission remains the same: to worship God, to make disciples, to care for the community, and to serve with love and humility. For over 125 years, we have been a beacon of faith and hope.
Early Years (1901–1930)
In its early years, the church served a small but devoted congregation. Wooden pews and a simple bell tower marked the beginning of regular worship, and the same bell still rings to this day. In 1912, the first expansion added an east wing to accommodate the growing Sunday school.
- Founded in 1901 by Rev. John Harrison
- First building consecrated in 1903
- Sunday school activities began in 1905
Baptism Register & Founder’s Signature
Preserving the original 1901 baptism register and the hand‑signed mark of our founder, Rev. John Harrison.
Original signature of Rev. John Harrison, 1901.
Divine Protection Amid Tempest
On a clear day, heavens unleashed mighty storm with thunder and lightning—a powerful bolt struck the rooftop cross, shaking the Lord's house with great force.
Though roof suffered severe damage, no soul was harmed by God's shielding hand; through His amazing grace, all was swiftly restored stronger than before.
Heaven's Fire Upon the Cross
Lightning's fury rent the sky, striking the sacred cross atop our sanctuary as the storm proclaimed the Lord's mighty power.
Modern Era & Outreach (1980–Present)
Recent decades have focused on outreach, youth ministry and music. The church launched new small groups, social programs and partnered with local schools and charities to assist those in need.
Today, the church blends historic worship with contemporary ministry to reach a diverse congregation, staying true to our founding mission.
Artifacts & Heritage
A curated collection of artifacts and historic stonework that tell the rich story of our 120+ year legacy.
Pastors Who Served Since 1901
| Year | Presbyter-In-Charge | Missionaries & Chaplains | Asst. Pastor / Pastors |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1901-1909 | Rev. John Harrison (Founder & Presbyter) | - | - |
| 1911-1915 | Rev. Kanaparthy Adam | Rev. H.D. Eales | Rev. B. John Sundara Rao |
| 1915 | -do- | R.M. Peachy Boreham | -do- |
| 1916 | Rev. D. Anantham | -do- | -do- |
| 1917 | Rev. K. Adam | R.M. Peachy Ernest Evitt | Rev. K. Philip |
| 1918-20 | -do- | -do- | P. Joseph |
| 1921 | Rev. W. Sathanandam | Mr. S. Anthony | -do- |
| 1922-23 | -do- | Lay-Trustee | Talari Elisha |
| 1923-23 | Rev. M. Narayana Rao | -do- | -do- |
| 1929 | W.T. Simeon | -do- | Rev. M. Sudarsanam |
| 1930 | -do- | -do- | Rev. G. John, Rev. Yohan |
| 1931-32 | Rev. W.T. Simeon | -do- | Rev. B.J. Paul |
| 1933-35 | Rev. B.J. Paul | Lambert O.R. Joseph | M. Anandayya |
| 1935-36 | Lambert O.R. Joseph | -do- | Rev. M. Anandayya, Rev. K. Sreenivasan |
| 1937 | -do- | -do- | Rev. Ch. Daniel, Rev. T. Balasundaram |
| 1938 | -do- | -do- | Rev. G. Devamony |
| 1939 | -do- | -do- | Rev. Ch. Daniel, Rev. V. Enoch |
| 1940 | Rev. V. Enoch | -do- | Rev. J. Satyananda, Rev. A. Samuel, Rev. K. Philip |
| 1941 | Rev. K. Philip | E.N. Spear | B. Balasundaram |
| 1942 | -do- | -do- | B. Yesurathnam |
| 1943 | -do- | -do- | B. Yesurathnam, P. Henry |
| 1944 | Rev. G.T. Prasadam | -do- | B. Yesurathnam, T. Balasundaram |
| 1945 | -do- | -do- | -do- |
| 1946-47 | -do- | -do- | K. Sreenivasan |
| 1947-48 | -do- | -do- | V. Sudarsanam |
| 1948-50 | Rev. Konda Adam | H.C. Williams | -do- |
| 1950-54 | Rev. M. Ratna Reddy | K. Adam | Rev. Ch. Daniel, Rev. P. Job, Rev. B.J. Prasadam |
| 1955-56 | Rev. M. Ratna Reddy | Rev. K.D. Israel | Rev. B.J. Prasadam, Rev. D.D. Prasadam |
| 1957 | -do- | -do- | Rev. P. Jacob |
| 1958 | -do- | L.A. Pullan | Rev. D.D. Prasadam, Rev. B.J. Prasadam |
| 1959 | -do- | -do- | Rev. P. Jacob, Rev. N. Sudarsanam, Rev. P. Job |
| 1960 | Rev. N.D. Ananda Rao Samuel | E.J. Miller | Rev. B.J. Prasadam, Rev. K.S. Sanjeevi |
| 1961-64 | Rev. K.D. Israel | Rev. Jarvis, Rev. K.D. Israel | Rev. P.J. Christopher, Rev. N. Prabhakara Rao |
| 1964-65 | Rev. B. Lazaras | -do- | Rev. M.G. Prakasam, Rev. Ch. John, Venkatararnaiah |
| 1966-67 | Rev. K.S. Sanjeevi | Mr. Saunders | Rev. G. YesupadaRao, Rev. G.D. Poornachandra Rao, Rev. P.J. Christopher, Rev. T.R.S. Prabhara Rao |
| 1968 | Rev. B. Moses | Rev. Ch. Joel | Rev. G.D. Poornachandra Rao, Rev. P.J. Christopher, Rev. Ch. Joel |
| 1969 | Rev. B. Moses | Rev. Ch. Joel | Rev. P.J. Christopher |
| 1970 | Rev. P. Job | Rev. P. Job | Rev. B.J. Prasadam |
| 1971 | Rev. K.S. Sanjeevi | Rev. P. Job | Rev. B.J. Prasadam |
| 1972 | Rev. D.D. Prasadam | Rev. Ch. Joel | Rev. T.B.D. Prakasa Rao |
| 1973 | Rev. J.R. Muthyalu | Rev. J.R. Muthyalu, Rev. G. James Samuel(Hon. Presbyter : 1971 - 2002) | Rev. Ch. Joel, Rev. T.B.D. Prakasa Rao |
| 1974-75 | Rev. Joel, Rev. B.I.J. Sundara Rao | -do- | -do- |
| 1975-76 | Rev. Ch. Joel | -do- | Rev. Eliphaz |
| 1976-77 | -do- | -do- | -do-, Rev. P.S. Y. J.L. Kanthaiah |
| 1977-78 | -do- | -do- | -do-, Rev. G.N. SuvarnaRaju |
| 1978-80 | -do- | -do- | Rev. N. Samarpana Rao |
| 1981-82 | -do- | -do- | Rev. N. Samarpana Rao |
| 1983-85 | -do- | -do- | Rev. T. Andrews |
| 1985-1990 | Rev. P.J. Christopher | -do- | Rev. T. Andrew, Rev. P.D. Vijaya Raju |
| 1989 | -do- | -do- | Rev. P. Prabhakara Rao |
| 1990-2002 | Rev. Pakalapati Prabhakara Rao | Rev. G. James Samuel (Hon. Presbyter) | -do- |
| 2003-2006 | Rev. K.N. Secil Christpadam | Rev. P.C.W. Suvarna Raju | Rev. G. Raja Ratnam |
| 2006 | Rev. B. AnandaRao | ||
| 2007-2010 | Rev. John Sastry Konda | Rev. R. Diamond Michael | |
| 2010-2013 | Rev. John Sastry Konda | Rev. Diamond Michael, Rev. Joseph Sanjeev Kumar Seelam, Rev. Kandula Dilip Kumar | |
| 2014-2018 | Rt. Rev. Dr. Tantepudi George Cornelius | Rev. Kokkeragadda Jason, Rev. Chinnam Prazwal Jasper | |
| 2018-2023 | Rev. Dr. Kokkeragadda Edwin Sudhakar | Rev. Kokkeragadda Jason, Rev. Chinnam Prazwal Jasper, Rev. Kodali Moses Dayan, Rev. Pendurthi Rana Pratap, Decon. Duba Prem Kumar, Decon. Chodagudi Livingston | |
| 2023-2025 | Rev. Dr. Bollarapu Ananda Rao | Rev. Kodali Moses Dayan, Rev. Ashok Kumar Kastala, Rev. Duba Prem Kumar, Rev. Gurivindhapalli Supriya, Rev. Gotru Rajesh, Rev. Tantepudi Dinesh Cornelious, Rev. Nuvvula Paul Sanjay | |
| 2025 - 2026 | Rev. Pandu Jacob | Rev. Duba Prem Kumar, Rev. Nuvvula Paul Sanjay |
Documentation compiled and documented by Kopelli Prabhakar
Our Church Family
The people of St. Paul's are the heart of everything—families, volunteers, elders and the next generation gather here to worship, learn and serve together.
We celebrate baptisms, weddings and milestones together, and our small groups and ministries keep the church active throughout the week. Everyone is welcome here.
Choir
Our choir leads congregational worship with devotion. They rehearse weekly and sing at major services and celebrations.
- Weekly rehearsals
- Special performances during Easter & Christmas
- Open to all who love to sing
Live Broadcasting Ministry
Our Live Broadcast Ministry ensures that worship services are streamed seamlessly, allowing the message of faith and hope to reach those who cannot be present in person. Through this outreach, our community stays connected across distances.
We give special thanks for this important ministry carried out with devotion and excellence.
Music Ministry
Our music group supports worship services and events with instrumental accompaniment and contemporary worship music. Musicians of all ages contribute to a vibrant worship experience.
If you play an instrument or sing and would like to join, please contact the church office.