Hacker Memorial Church
Our History
Two centuries of God’s faithfulness in Moolachel, from the first preaching of Rev. Ringle Taube to the church we worship in today.
Our Beginnings
Rooted in the mission of Rev. Ringle Taube
Rev. Ringle Taube, a pioneer of the London Missionary Society in South Travancore, planted the seeds of faith across Kanyakumari District.
His work was carried on by Rev. Charles Mead from Neyoor. By 1833, Moolachel was one of six branch churches under Neyoor Church. The first church here was named in memory of Rev. Isaac Henry Hacker, and his name still marks our congregation: Hacker Memorial Church.
Milestones
Our Journey Through the Years
The mission of Rev. Ringle Taube
From 25 April 1806 to 5 February 1816, Rev. Ringle Taube preached the Gospel and founded many churches across Kanyakumari District.
Preaching from Udayagiri Fort
Rev. Taube stayed at Udayagiri Fort and preached in the villages nearby, including Moolachel. Worship here probably began around this time.
Land for the church
With Neyoor as headquarters, Rev. Charles Mead continued the mission. 43 cents of land for the old church and 1 acre 67 cents for the present church were bought in his name.
The first church
Work began on the first church building, named in memory of Rev. Isaac Henry Hacker.
A growing congregation
The congregation had 182 families. Tenants left the land set aside for the new church.
A new house of worship
Building of the new church began in 1929, and it was dedicated in 1949.
Raised to a Pastorate
On 20 May 1952 the church became a Pastorate, with Rev. Y. A. Chelliah as the first Pastorate Chairman.
The church tower
The tower was finished and dedicated on 24 December 1956.
A District Church
On 24 July 1960 the church became a District Church, with Rev. S. D. Duthy as the first District Chairman. It was then one of 8 District Churches in the Diocese.
Expansion and renewal
The foundation stone for the expansion was laid on 24 December 2005. On 2 January 2011, Rt. Rev. G. Devakadasham, Bishop of Kanyakumari Diocese, dedicated the expanded church, towers, compound wall, generator and sound system.
A family of 1,250 households
About 1,250 families worship here regularly, carrying the faith of earlier generations forward.
Church Committee 2024 – 2027
Meet the pastors, office bearers and members who lead our congregation today.