Early Missionary Beginnings (1879)

During the late nineteenth century, India was under British rule while the princely state of Hyderabad was governed by the Nizam. Hyderabad and Secunderabad, known as the twin cities, were home to diverse cultures and communities.

In 1879, missionaries established Wesleyan Methodist Churches in Hyderabad and Secunderabad. These missionary efforts laid the foundation for organized Christian worship in the region and helped spread the Gospel across the twin cities.

Growth During the World War Period

During the period of the Second World War, the ministry in Secunderabad continued to flourish under faithful leadership. The Wesley Methodist Church, Secunderabad, popularly known as the Central Church near the Clock Tower, served the Wesley Boys’ and Girls’ Schools and hostels.

Tamil and Telugu congregations joined together for worship services. During this time:

• Rev. M. Arthur served as the Presbyter-in-Charge.
• Late Rev. Frank Colyer Sackett, District Chairman, provided spiritual leadership.

The Central Church oversaw several satellite congregations, among which Chilkalguda emerged as the largest. Other congregations included Lalaguda, Mettugadda, and Mailargadda.

Formation of the Chilkalguda Congregation

Initially, a small piece of land near the railway lines was purchased for church construction. However, due to legal complications, it had to be sold shortly afterward. As a result, worship services were conducted in a rented house, which also served as the pastor’s residence.

At that time, the Chilkalguda area had ten Christian families with about 30–40 members who formed the early congregation.

• Mr. N. T. Raja Rao
• Pakalapati John Devaiah
• Mr. Ch. Emmanuel
• Mr. Govade Sudershanam
• Mr. P. Mohan Rao
• Mr. B. Samuel
• Mr. B. J. Saul
• Rev. B. K. James
• Pastor Chekram David
• Mr. Sanga John Wesley

Pastor Ch. Prasanna Rao, who was transferred from Dudigam, briefly served the congregation before joining railway services.

Formation of the Church of South India (1947)

In 1947, Protestant churches in South India united to form the Church of South India (CSI). The Medak Diocese was established under the leadership of:

• Rt. Rev. F. Whittaker – Bishop
• Mr. L. Edward – Treasurer

Following the formation of the CSI, the number of believers in Chilkalguda increased rapidly, and the rented worship space became insufficient.

Land Purchase and Church Construction (1950–1952)

Under the leadership of Mr. N. T. Raja Rao and Mr. Sanga John Wesley, the congregation approached the diocesan authorities for assistance. The Diocese arranged Rs. 2,856 to purchase 816 square yards of land from Mr. C. W. Naidu on 18 February 1950.

The Diocese also contributed £718 toward the construction of the church building. The plans were prepared by Mr. C. C. Paul, Chief Engineer of the State Government, and construction was undertaken by Mr. Kokku Ananda Rao of Wesley Church, Ramkote.

Church Furnishings Contributions:

• Late Dr. O. W. Elias – Altar Table and Communion Railing
• Mr. O. W. Joseph – Preaching Desk
• Mr. Sanga John Wesley – Altar Chairs
• Mr. N. T. Raja Rao – Reading Desk
• Other members – Chairs and benches

The church building constructed with lime mortar, wood, and tiled roofing was dedicated on 17 February 1952 by Rt. Rev. F. Whittaker, Bishop of Medak Diocese.

Expansion and Pastorate Formation

On 3 July 1957, an additional 408 square yards of land was purchased from Mrs. Chinnamma for Rs. 13,000.

Until 1966, the church functioned under the Central Church. In 1967, it became an independent pastorate known as:
CSI Wesley Church, Chilkalguda Pastorate under Medak Diocese.

The church later became the mother church for several congregations:

• Mettugadda
• Lalaguda
• Warasiguda
• ECIL
• Moulali Railway

During the ministry of Rev. Nemuri Joseph, Mr. Manuel introduced the Sunday evening English service.

Growth & Vision for a New Church

Through God’s grace, the congregation experienced remarkable growth—from 10 families and 30 members to over 360 families and more than 1,000 believers.

After nearly 50 years, the original church building began to deteriorate and could no longer accommodate the growing congregation. Inspired by the spirit of Nehemiah, the congregation envisioned constructing a new church building. The vision began during the tenure of Rev. T. S. Kanakaprasad and continued under several presbyters:

• Rev. Ch. Sadanandam
• Rev. V. Yesushanker
• Rev. B. D. Premsagar
• Rev. Robert Nathaniel
• Rev. Shanty Roberts
• Rev. G. T. Jayraj

With the support of the Bishop’s Commission, church elders, and members, the congregation undertook the responsibility of building a new church for the glory of God and for future generations.