🙏 Our Story
St. Peter’s Telugu Church was founded in 1938 with the vision to bring the Telugu-speaking Christian community in Bangalore together in worship, fellowship, and service. We are located at the historic CSI Compound on Mission Road, Bangalore where generations have gathered to grow in faith.
Our church is committed to nurturing a loving community centered on Jesus Christ, providing a home where everyone can belong and thrive spiritually.
A GLIMPSE INTO THE FOUNDER’S LIFE
CANON.M.LAZARUS, the founder of St.Peter’s Telugu Congregation was born on 3rd August 1894. He imbibed the spirit and essence of Christianity from his devoted parents Moorathoty Manesha and Viswasamma. His forefathers, father and uncle were noted wrestlers. No doubt Canon Lazarus became a tenacious spiritual wrestler for Christ.
Canon Lazarus was a meritorious student and won a scholarship to pursue high school studies. He led an exemplary life. His close associates were Sri. G.T.Abraham, Rev. B.E.Devaraj, Sri. Billa Lazarus and Benjamin Rayalu. They formed a brotherhood among themselves and led simple, devout, Christian life.
Sri Lazarus was deputed by missionaries to do theology at Madras, after successful completion, he was ordinated as a priest. Rev. Lazarus worked under the first Indian Bishop Rt. Rev. Azaraiah whom he greatly admired. His unstinted service to Christianity earned him the title “CANON”.
Later, when he became the deanery’s Chairman, he founded many elementary schools and boarding homes. He toured all over Nandyal Diocese on bullock-cart, his sole means of transport. He identified himself with rural Christians completely and spoke about Christ in their language. In return the villagers revered and loved him.
In 1947-48, when the concept of Church of South India was introduced, the wrangle for power ensued between Orthodox, S.P.G., and C.S.I. supporters. Disenchanted he left his beloved place and came to the garden city of Bangalore.
He was appointed as Chaplain of Bishop Cotton Boys’ School. Though away from his native place, he was always looking for his people. He found them worshipping at No.2, Lavelle Road and was elated. He went around Bangalore, met others from his place and brought them together as one congregation and St. Peter’s Telugu Congregation was born.
This man of God was always active doing God’s work until he breathed his last on 18th March 1974.