Churches Near Tirunelveli

Holy Trinity Cathedral

The Holy Trinity Cathedral a small, elegant and beautiful Church was built in 1826 by Rev Rhenius and opened to public for worship on 26 June 1826. This small church with an oblong edifice measuring 64 ft. by 30 ft still serves as a nucleus for this massive Cathedral which developed in later years. Venga Mudaliar had donated 168 acres of punjai land for the maintenance of this Church. Many renovations and additions were made to this structure. In the year 1845, a tall stately steeple of 158 feet soaring into the skies was added by Rev. Pettilt and has made the church a landmark all over the district. This church is locally well known as "Oosi Gopuram" as a land mark. The resonant bell gifted by friends in England and installed in 1850 has unfailingly chimed the hours, calling the faithful to worship over the years and the clock set in the tower is relied upon by the entire town as its beloved Big Ben. Many improvements, extensions and renovation works have taken place subsequently. In 1940 Bishop Stephen Neil raised its status as the Holy Trinity Cathedral. Painting, flooring and other extensions were made in the following years. This Church is involved in many social services like paying visit to hospitals. This Church plays a vital role not only in spiritual upliftment of its people but also in the material upliftment like providing education, distributing free food and clothing and helping them in the construction of their houses etc. 

Kappal madha church or Selva Matha church Uvari

A small church for St. Mary which was under the control of pastors of Goa mission existed here. In course of time, in 1903, this church was converted into a school. On important occasions as per the wishes of the people, festivals were conducted and prayers were offered to her. There was a custom among the young maidens to go to the nunnery in the night and sleep there. On one such occasion they saw a bright light surrounding this Selvamatha statue even though nobody lit a candle. Many people of Uvari witnessed this light which was there for over an hour. This incident occurred on 18th September which is celebrated as a festival. People used to keep this statue in a chariot and come around this town to bestow the blessing of Mary to the people of Uvari. Due to sea erosion the old church got damaged. Therefore the people decided to construct a new church for which the foundation stone was laid down by Fr.Thomas in 1970, 25th January and the work was finished on 1974. This church designed as a ship, is called Kappal Matha church after its design. It is beautiful church facing the blue sea. The waves rolling near this church gives us an impression that this ship shaped church is sailing on the sea which is a feast to eyes.