THE OLD CSI CHURCH AT PALLIKUNNU

European Planters and Architects who came in the 18 th Century were the first to discover this beautiful place. The place has an old CSI Church built by the British.The place is about 6 Kilometers away from Peermade.It is on the way to Kattapana From Kuttikanam. There is a lake too near Pallikunnu about a 100 meters away on the way to Kattapana.There is a small stream originating from the lake flowing to Peermade.The place is surrounded by hills and tea Plantations.The Church and The lake makes the place the most beautiful place near Peermade.The meaning of the word Pallikunnu is The Church hill. It got its name because of the church which is located at the place.

The church here was built by the Europeans during the eighteenth century.The church is in memory of Saint George. Henry William Baker did many restoration works of the church.The George who built the church was born in 1885 The first pastor of the church was Henry Baker Jr. The church has a sixteen acre compound, which is the second in area,The church was having one of the best gardens in Asia. It have a beautiful bell tower.It had a piano which was played during the mass.The church is surrounded by cypress trees.The place gives a European look,as if you you are in the Europe.

The church was really built for the European settlements. But in 1888 the CMS noting the rapid increase in the tamilian population engaged a Tamil clergyman called Rev Nallathampi who had also worked at the Nilgiris.He was the pastor of the church until 1901.Then there was Tamil mass too.Later when the Europeans went back the church was ran by Indian Priests. Even now English mass is conducted once a month.The feast day is on January first the new year day.

The church is a true architectural marvel.Many stones are erected inside the church in memory of the planters who passes away. The graves of the Europeans can still be seen.There are records of the death and birth of many europeans. In the churchyard rests in peace personalities like Norman Palloc, Warne Richardson,George Weat ,Four year old Harry Blake ,Bridget Mary Etc.Even now many Europeans come here to pay tribute to their forefathers.Last year the grand daughter of Henry Baker Ms Tessa Tenant arrived here. She was surprised to see her great grandparent‘s grave and the original birth and death records of them of the 1894. Earlier the punched cards were used to store information in the church.

Route Map

Just Move along Kattapana route from Kuttikkanam for 4 Kms and you will reach here.