Late Shri I. Savarimuthupillai
St James Church
Shri Antonisami and his fmaily iwth Metropolitan Diascorous
12/3/14
S.A.MARY CHINNARANI BA BL
(Granddaughter of I. Savarimuthupillai)
ST JAMES INDEPENDENT CATHOLIC CHURCH IN SEMPATTY (Under the Indian Orthodox Malankara Church)
I.SAVARIMUTHU PILLAI, the Founder of St James Independent Catholic Church in Sembatty was born as the son of Ignasimuthpillai (a) Molaiyapillai-Mariammal in Athoor. His father was a Landlord. His father was the first and only person who got converted to Christianity in Athoor.
During the period there were restrictions imposed and no Christian missionaries were entering allowed to enter Athoor. Mr. Molaiyapillai who was a clever man who made a Christian priest to enter the area disguised as a farmer. This incident marked the entry of Christian faith in Athoor. He gave his house to the Christian missionary and it was made the first church (Adaikala Annai church) in Athoor area. At present the building is used by the Sacred Heart convent and the middle school.
Savarimuthu Pillai was the seventh sibling of Molaiyapillai, who was a great devotee of Christian faith. He was the last child in the family with two elder brothers and two sisters. In He was a very well disciplined kid. He completed his intermediate course. He wished to join the Jesuit order to be trained as a priest. But his family did not agree. They urged him to get married and as per their wish, he was married to Marianallammal. They had four children, Maria Rajammal, Lazar Ignasiaus (advocate and Dindigul Municipal Chairman), Maria Natchathiram and Singarayar Pillai.
Savaraimuthu Pillia founded the St.James Church, at Semapatti in 1820. He also bought a sandy, property. Afterwards he purchased several acres of land which made him owner of the majority areas in Sempatti. He died in 04-01-1955whereas his wife Marianallammal died on 15-12-1956. After their death, the church was transferred to their two sons (Lazar Ignasious and Singarayar Pillai). After their demise the church ownership got transferred to their Grandsons (Late L.Savarimuthu Rajan, L.George Joseph, Late L.Mahimairaj, Late S.James, S.Antony Samy, S.Jesuraj.)
Source:
MARP