Rev A. Schosser came to Mumbai to bring about the unity of the two splinter groups and the union of the Kannada Churches in Mumbai. Having failed in this effort, he realized the necessity of initiating recognition for the Mumbai congregation.
On the 16th of December 1928, Rev A. Schosser, the Mission President came back to Mumbai accompanied by Director of the Basel Mission Home Board, Dr. Hartenstine and declared the church constituted by this group as officially recognized by the Mission. And so on 16th December 1928 the Basel Mission Church of Mumbai was officially constituted with a congregational strength of 310 members.
At about this time a need for young men’s hostel was felt and it became necessary to open one. Similarly the burial fund was also started.
Rev. Furtado continued to serve the church till his retirement in March 1942. His tenure of service lasted for fifteen years. Rev. S. Karkada succeeded him. The congregation continued to increase in number. In June 1943 the place of worship has to be shifted to a larger one. The Hume Anglican Memorial Church, Nagpada seemed most suitable. As the congregation continued to grow and assistant minister was needed and in May 1944, Mr. Godfrey Vedamuthu was appointed. In May 1945 when Rev. S. Karkada retired Mr. G. Vedamuthu took charge of the congregation. After the completion of his theological training, Rev. G. Vedamuthu was ordained on the 8th of August 1946. The congregation continued to increase in strength requiring the service of yet another minister and the service of Mr. B. J. Kunder were sought in 1950, who was later ordained into the ministry on 24th June, 1951.
During the course of time, the Basel Mission itself underwent some major policy changes; as a result, the church in Mumbai became autonomous and began to assume greater responsibility.
A Church Constitution was being framed. In 1946, the new constitution was approved by the Synod. According to the Constitution the United Basel Mission in Mumbai became a constituent part of the United Basel Mission Churches in India. The Constitution was based on the confession of a faith and belief in God’s revelation of Jesus Church. It was also based on the same liturgy and order of divine service as the United Basel Mission Church in India. However, the new Constitution created a tiny ripple of disagreement and the congregation in Mumbai experienced yet another split and a few people left once again. But the Basel Mission congregation continued to congregate as earlier.
In a nutshell the Constitution states that the local church consists of a group of Christians whose membership is through regular church contribution and attendance of church services. It is the members of the local church who elect the Presbytery and the Church Council. The administration of the local church is vested in the Presbytery, subject to the control of the Church Council. Authority of the Basel Mission Church in Mumbai lies with the Church Council.
Since 1930 the congregation had felt an intense need for a church building of their own. A church Building Fund was initiated and contributions were collected for building a church, a parsonage, a hostel and a social hall. In the 1950s with the ever-increasing strength of the congregation, which had by now reached 1,500 the idea of a separate church building was revived. In 1955, twenty seven years after the Basel Mission congregation was formed in Mumbai the Sushanthi Church in Byculla was finally built.
One cannot but remember the gratitude the consistent efforts of a few in keeping the community together and in building the United Basel Mission Church in Mumbai. Today as we congregate in Fourteen churches, we own a debt to all those who made it possible. In addition, the Sushanthi Church had a hostel in the past. It also has a primary school attached to it catering to the education need in the neighbourhood irrespective of their religious or cultural background.
“Bring in your tithes and offerings and I will pour out a blessing that you will not have room enough to contain it.” (Malachi 3:10)
The abundant blessing of our God is evident in the way our churches have been build and consecrated.
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, 1 Peter 5:2.
Church is a place of congregational worship. Regular Sunday worship is conducted in all our thirteen churches. Besides the weekly Sunday worship, our churches have geared themselves to meet the ever increasing need of the congregation.
Sunday School is an integral part of every church. In the Sunday School children are taught the scriptures through storytelling and memorizing the Bible verses. To attract the young children to Sunday School, Christmas program consisting of gospel songs, music, Biblical skits and other competitions are organized, Prizes are awarded for regular attendance and knowledge of the scripture. The Sunday School caters to the spiritual needs of the children up to 15 years or till completion of their schooling. Our Sunday School also organize Bible based programs, competitions, V.B.S. etc.
Youth Fellowship is active in our churches nurturing the youth’s spiritual growth through God’s word. The foundations of Christian living are laid through discussions and sharing of their experiences. Besides Bible study, the youth learn leadership role through participation in Church activities.
Women’s Fellowship Women are involved in church activities. Women congregate to study God’s word and thereby enrich their personal lives. Through prayer visiting the sick, needy and the bereaved families they play an important role in the church and offer their services in all church activities.
Men’s Fellowship Men are involved in church activities. Currently we have Men’s fellowship in two churches, namely Vikhroli and Navi Mumbai. Men congregate to study God’s word and thereby enrich their personal lives. Through prayer visiting the sick, needy and the bereaved families they play an important role in the church and offer their services in all church activities.
