About Our Church
Rooted in faith since 1910
A living fellowship in Karthikappally, carried through generations of believers who loved the Lord and made Him known.
Our History
The Pentecostal movement in Karthikappally
The history of the Pentecostal movement in Karthikappally is closely connected with the early revival movement in Kerala. One of the pioneer missionaries who brought the Pentecostal message to the region was Rev. John A. D. Khan. In 1910, Nariyinchil C. Cherian (Cheriyachan), after being baptized by Rev. Khan, separated from the Mar Thoma Church and became part of the emerging Pentecostal movement.
The early fellowship of believers in Karthikappally gathered at the Nariyinchil family home, where believers were welcomed, nurtured, and encouraged in their faith. Later, through the ministry of believers such as Sister Annamma Mammen and the efforts of servants of God who conducted conventions in the area, many more people embraced the Pentecostal faith. Thus, the Pentecostal church in Karthikappally was established.
The church initially began its fellowship at the residence of N. K. Koshy of Nariyinchil and continued there for nearly three decades. Recognizing the need for a dedicated cemetery, N. K. Koshy purchased land adjacent to the Mar Thoma Church cemetery and donated it to the church.
As the congregation grew, a property near Karthikappally Junction was purchased, and worship services were moved to a permanent place of worship. During the reorganization of IPC churches into different centres, the Karthikappally congregation became part of the Mavelikara Centre.
Over the years, due to certain developments within the church, one fellowship continued separately at Nariyinchil House before later moving near Karthikappally Junction and becoming known as IPC Rehoboth. In 1975, when the Mavelikara Centre was divided, IPC Rehoboth became part of the Mavelikara East Centre, where it continues to serve the Lord today.
Built upon the faith, dedication, and sacrifice of generations of believers, IPC Rehoboth Karthikappally continues to proclaim the Gospel and remains committed to the work of God’s Kingdom.
A Century of Grace
Milestones in our journey
- 1910 — Rev. John A. D. Khan brings the Pentecostal message to Karthikappally and baptizes Nariyinchil C. Cherian. Early believers gather at the Nariyinchil family home.
- 1934–36 — The ministry of Annamma Mammen in Keerikkad begins the local fellowship.
- 1936–41 — O. Daniel, of the Nariyinchil family, leads the first Pentecostal worship services in Karthikappally.
- 1941–43 — Pr. N. K. Mathew (“Karthikappally Mathaichan”) leads the church. The fellowship later meets at N. K. Koshy's residence for nearly three decades.
- 1975 — The Mavelikara Centre divides; IPC Rehoboth becomes part of the Mavelikara East Centre.
- 1998 — The church takes up sustained evangelistic and outreach ministry in Vempuzha, Pallippad, Muthukulam and beyond.
- Today — A worshipping congregation at The Upper Room, Karthikappally, continuing in prayer, the Word, and mission.
Our Pastor
Pr. Jijo Joy
Pr. Jijo Joy serves as the Pastor of IPC Rehoboth Karthikapally, faithfully leading the congregation through the preaching of God’s Word, pastoral care, discipleship, and spiritual guidance. With a passion for Biblical teaching and church growth, he is committed to helping believers deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ and live according to God’s Word.
Born on 1st July 1991 and raised in a Christian Pentecostal family in Chennithala, Kerala, Pr. Jijo Joy pursued theological training with a Bachelor of Divinity from Serampore University, alongside academic qualifications in English and History. Since entering pastoral ministry in 2017, he has served in various congregations, including Christian Church of God, Nalanchira, IPC Ebenezer Nooranad, and other ministry settings.
Together with his wife, Mrs. Nizy George, and their son, Japheth Jo Jijo, Pr. Jijo Joy remains devoted to serving God and advancing His Kingdom through faithful ministry and Christian living.
Our Patrons & Legacy
Those who went before us
We remember with gratitude the pioneers and leaders whose faith, teaching and sacrifice laid the foundations of this fellowship.
Rev. John A. D. Khan
1877 – 1922
Read his story
Pr. K. E. Abraham
1899 – 1974
Read his story
Pr. T. G. Oommen
1905 – 1985
Read his story
Annamma Mammen
1914 – 2002
Read her story
O. Daniel
–
Read his story
Pr. N. K. Mathew
b. 1916
Read his story
N. K. Koshy
1896 – 1996
Read his story
N. C. Georgekutty
1920 – 2015
Read his story
Pr. K. T. Mathew
–
Read his story
Pr. T. K. Philip
1928 – 2007
Read his story
Continue the Story
Be part of what God is doing
The same Lord who called believers here in 1910 is still at work today. We'd love to welcome you into this family.
Rev. John Alaud Din Khan
1877 – 1922A prominent early 20th-century Indian missionary who conducted numerous convention meetings in Central Travancore. Born in 1877 in a royal family in Cuttack, Odisha, he played a key role in the early Pentecostal movement in India and founded the Church of God (Athmabodhini).
He was instrumental in bringing the message of believer’s baptism to Karthikappally, where he baptized Nariyinchil Cheriyachan in 1910. Closely associated with the region through his ministry and fellowship, he was called to his heavenly home in 1922.
Pr. K. E. Abraham
1899 – 1974Pastor K. E. Abraham (Unnunni Sir) was born on March 1, 1899, in Chengannur, Puthencavu. Called into ministry in obedience to God’s will, he became a leading Pentecostal worker from 1923 onward and one of the founders of the Indian Pentecostal Church of God.
Widely used by God in the spread of the Pentecostal movement across Kerala and beyond, he was also a respected Bible teacher, preacher, and author. Pastor Abraham frequently visited Karthikappally during his ministry journeys, where he conducted extended Bible classes that strengthened the faith of the believers there.
He was called to his eternal rest on December 9, 1974, leaving behind a lasting legacy of spiritual leadership and theological contribution.
Pr. T. G. Oommen
1905 – 1985Pastor T. G. Oommen was born on October 8, 1905, near Chengannur, Kerala. Saved and baptized in 1924, he was later filled with the Holy Spirit in 1929 and dedicated his life to full-time ministry in Pathanapuram.
A well-known Bible teacher, writer, and church leader, he served the Indian Pentecostal Church of God in various roles, including district pastor, Bible college faculty, council and presbytery member, and state and general president.
During his ministry travels with Pastor K. E. Abraham, he also spent time in Karthikappally, where he conducted extended Bible classes that strengthened the faith of local believers. He was called to his eternal home in 1985.
Annamma Mammen
1914 – 2002Sister Annamma Mammen (1914–2002) was born into a Mar Thoma family in Kumbanad as the daughter of K. M. Mammen and Mariamma. After completing her education and training as a teacher, she experienced a divine calling that led her into full-time gospel ministry at a young age. Following her Pentecostal experience, she left her home at the age of sixteen to serve the Lord, becoming a pioneering evangelist and missionary.
She played a significant role in mentoring and encouraging early Pentecostal workers and was widely known as a gifted preacher and missionary. She also contributed to Christian music, with hymns such as “Lokamam Gambheera Varidhiyil” and “Uyarthidum Njan Ente Kankal” attributed to her.
During 1934–36, while serving as a teacher in Keerikkad near Karthikappally, she stayed at her relative’s home in Nariyinchil, where her life and ministry led many in the household to embrace the Pentecostal faith, resulting in the beginning of a local fellowship.
She devoted her entire life to Christ and the advancement of God’s Kingdom and was called to her eternal rest on November 21, 2002.
O. Daniel
–O. Daniel of the Nariyinchil family in Karthikappally was born to N. K. Koshy and Mariamma Koshy. In 1936, he embraced the Pentecostal faith, and shortly thereafter his father, N. K. Koshy, also accepted the Pentecostal message.
The first Pentecostal worship services in Karthikappally were held in their ancestral home in the Chingoli area. During the early years (1936–1941), O. Daniel, along with his father, played a leading role in the spiritual ministry and growth of the local fellowship.
Pr. N. K. Mathew
b. 1916N. K. Mathew (Karthikappally Mathaichan) was born in 1916 in the Nariyinchil family of Karthikappally to Koshykunj and Eliamma. After completing his matriculation, he worked in a transport company in Alappuzha, where he experienced salvation in 1937 and embraced the Pentecostal faith.
He was baptized in 1941 and soon left his job to enter full-time gospel ministry, which greatly contributed to the growth of the church in Karthikappally. He studied at Doon Bible College from 1935 and later served alongside Pastor M. K. Chacko in Delhi. He also ministered in various parts of Central Travancore and Malabar, helping to establish new churches.
From 1941 to 1943, he played a leading role in the spiritual ministry of the Karthikappally church.
N. K. Koshy
1896 – 1996The Pentecostal fellowship in Karthikappally began at the residence of N. K. Koshy, and later continued there for nearly three decades after joining the IPC. His contribution to the growth and establishment of the Karthikappally IPC Church was significant.
In the early years, when some members of the church passed away, he allowed them to be buried in his own courtyard without hesitation. Recognizing the urgent need for a common burial ground, he purchased land adjacent to the Mar Thoma Church cemetery in Karthikappally and donated it freely to the IPC Church.
Born in 1896, he lived a life of service and was called to his heavenly home in 1996 at the age of 100. He was laid to rest in his family tomb within the same cemetery.
N. C. Georgekutty
1920 – 2015Born on December 20, 1920, in the Nariyinchil family of Karthikappally to C. Cherian and Eliamma Cherian, he dedicated his life to the service of God and the church. He received believer’s baptism on June 7, 1964 under the ministry of Pastor K. E. Abraham.
He served for many years in the State and General Councils of the Indian Pentecostal Church (IPC), including as Joint Secretary of the Kerala State. He played a key role in the formation of the IPC Constitution and was instrumental in establishing the IPC Believers’ Forum and the Pentecostal Educational Society.
During his long tenure in Thiruvananthapuram while working with the PWD, he was also involved in the founding of the Thabor Church and the IPC youth organization P.Y.P.A. He worked closely with evangelist Varghese Sir, contributing significantly to gospel work in the region.
He was greatly used by God in personal evangelism and local ministry in Karthikappally and surrounding areas. He was called to his heavenly home on August 18, 2015, and was laid to rest in his family tomb in the Karthikappally IPC Church cemetery.
Pr. K. T. Mathew
–Pastor K. T. Mathew of Niranam was the son of Pastor K. M. Thomas and the nephew of Pastor T. N. Abraham. He served as the pastor of the Mavelikara Centre of the Indian Pentecostal Church (IPC), which included the Karthikappally church.
Following the division of the Mavelikara Centre, he took charge of the Mavelikara West Centre. His father (Kuttiyachan) had earlier served as a minister in the Karthikappally church during 1955–1958.
Pr. T. K. Philip
1928 – 2007Pastor T. K. Philip was born in 1928 in Venmoney to Varkey and Susamma Varkey. He began his ministry in the Mar Thoma Church as an evangelist, preacher, and Maramon Convention singer. While in government service, he and his wife, Saramma Philip, left their teaching careers to commit themselves fully to gospel ministry.
He became the first official pastor of the Pentecostal Church of Kuwait and served for over four decades as the minister of Venmoney North Church. From 1969, he served as the pastor of the IPC Mavelikara Centre, and after its division in 1981, he led the Mavelikara East Centre, under which IPC Rehoboth Karthikappally Church continues to belong. His son, Pastor Thomas Philip, currently leads this centre.
He was called to his heavenly home on June 20, 2007, and remained a strong believer in divine healing throughout his life.