PASTORS

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,who was, and is, and is to come.” – Revelation 4:8

Mumbai being one of the fast developing industrial city in our country. Kannada speaking Christians, especially the Basel Mission members migrated from south Canara to this city in search of job and settled down in various places of Mumbai.

During the year 1952, many families were found settled in Kurla. Late Rev. G. Vedamuthu conducted the first prayer meeting on 15th August 1954, this was the beginning of this church. The prayer meeting were conducted in a rented house and first divine service was conducted on 23rd February 1963. As the year rolled by the number of members also increased and local presbytery was formed on December 1965, to cater to the spiritual needs of the congregation.

The congregation continued to increase and the prayer hall was insufficient to accommodate the members. It was then decided to have an independent and big church. Prayerful efforts were made, and our Almighty God provided us with a plot where our church building stands.

Dr. Jacques Rossel laid the foundation stone of this church building on 20th February 1973. The construction of the church was completed on November 1976 with major financial support of the churches from West Germany and liberal donation of local congregation. The Christa Kanthi Church Building was dedicated to the Glory of God by Rt. Rev. S. R Furtado (Bishop C.S.I – K.S.D ) ON 28th November 1976. Recently, stained glass backdrop was fitted behind the Alter. Divine Services in English Language is also conducted on the first Sunday of every month to cater to the spiritual needs of the English speaking members .In 1998 under the pastoral care of Rev. S .S. Gladson, a new project was proposed on the vacant plot near the church, admeasuring approx.. 2000 sq. Ft. This vacant plot, now concreted is in our possession. We hope to construct a building for various activities of our church.

The first prayer meeting was started in Kurla at a members house on 15th of August 1952 which was inaugurated by Rev. Vedamuttu. Prayer meetings were conducted regularly every Sunday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday School was conducted simultaneously. Recognising the importance and need of spiritual nurturing of our children, Sunday School were established at Jerimeri in 1959 at Asalpha in 1961, at Marol in 1962, and at Kalina in the year 1967.

As the number of members increased, the worship place was shifted to the ground floor of Credo House. The first Divine Sunday worship was held here on 23rd February 1963. Prayer Union Meeting were held every Saturday evenings. As the year rolled by, the membership began to increase by leaps and bounds. In December 1965, a local Presbytery was formed for catering to the needs of members. Rev B. J. Kunder was the first Pastor. He started the Women’s Fellowship and the cottage prayer meetings. The areas covered under the then Kurla, U.B.M Church were Santacruz(E), Kalina, Kurla village, Asalpha, Ghatkopar(E), Jerimeri, Sakinaka and Marol. In 1981 a new Local church, UBM Christa Shanti Church was formed at Marol with a presbytery of its own. Youth Fellowship was started in the year 1990. Rev Gladson Maben took charged in 1998. An English Divine Service was started on every first Sunday of the month. Rev Winfred Amanna took charge in 2001, he took the complete task of the Silver Jubilee project, wherein the complete church building was renovated.

Sunday School was started in 1952 with the help of two teachers. Today 9 teachers and 6 volunteers are successfully and effectively teaching God’s Word to the children of our congregation, bringing them closer to God as they are the future pillars of our church. Church Choir Christmas Carol is sung under the guidance of dedicated leaders bringing in a new enthusiasm to the services. Youth Fellowship, Women’s Fellowship, Cottage Prayer Meetings are other activities of our Church which are conducted regularly and effectively.