Centenary Methodist English Church has a long history of Methodist witness, worship and service in Hyderabad.
The Methodist work in Hyderabad began in 1874, when Captain Winckler began cottage prayer meetings in Secunderabad.
The work soon drew people from Bolarum and Chaderghat.
Over the years, the church grew into a place of worship, Christian fellowship, education and service to the wider community.
Captain Winckler began cottage prayermeetings in Secunderabad, marking the
beginning of the Methodist work that developed in Hyderabad.
From the first Methodist prayer meetings to the
establishment of a permanent church in Hyderabad.
Captain Winckler began cottage prayer
meetings in Secunderabad. The Methodist
work soon extended to Bolarum and
Chaderghat.
Rev. W. M. Taylor visited Hyderabad,
and the Methodist work continued to
grow. Rev. J. E. Robinson became the
first appointed minister associated
with the work.
As the congregation and ministry grew,
plans were made for a permanent church
building. The church was completed in
1877, providing a dedicated place for
Methodist worship in Hyderabad.
From humble prayer meetings to a permanent place
of worship, the early Methodist work laid the
foundation for the heritage of CMEC.
The establishment of the church was a shared effort. Members,
friends, students and supporters came together to create a
permanent place of worship for the growing Methodist community
in Hyderabad.
On 1 November 1875, the Methodist community took an
important step towards establishing a permanent church.
Members and friends pledged their support for the
construction.
The church was completed and dedicated in 1877,
marking an important milestone in the development
of Methodist work in Hyderabad.
Mrs. Anna Walker donated the church plot together with
a financial contribution. Members and friends also gave
generously, including portions of their salaries and
building materials.
Members and students connected with Wilkinson Engineering
College were involved in the design and construction.
Young men also contributed their time and labour after
their college hours.
What began with prayer and a shared vision became
a lasting place of worship for generations to come.
As the Methodist work grew, the church became more than a
place of worship. Education, pastoral care, Sunday School
and practical service became important parts of its life
and witness.
The growing Methodist community developed ministries that reached children, families and the wider community.
Regular worship, prayer meetings, class meetings, pastoral visitation and fellowship became important
parts of the continuing life of the church.
The church's work increasingly brought together worship, education and practical service, creating a community
where faith could be lived out beyond the Sunday service.
The early Methodist work supported education for boys
and girls. The educational ministry developed further
and included an English Girls' School, later connected
with Stanley Girls High School.
Sunday School became an important part of church life,
with children participating in classes and learning
within the Methodist community.
The church community also engaged in practical service,
including pastoral care, Dorcas classes and relief and
rescue work during times of famine.
Worship, learning, compassion and service became
an enduring part of the church's witness.
Through the early decades of the twentieth century,
the church continued to develop its facilities while
extending its care, worship and service to the community.
1906
Important improvements were made to the church, including the addition of a porch, electric lights
and fans. A stained-glass window also became part of the church's developing character and heritage.
1913
A home and school was established for Anglo-Indian children who were orphaned or in need. This reflected
the wider commitment to care and practical service that formed part of the church's history.
1927
The parsonage was reconditioned, while further improvements were made to the church interior,
including work on the choir platform and other aspects of the church's facilities.
Through changing times,
the ministry continued to grow.
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A continuing witness
From its early years, the church became a place
where people gathered not only to worship,
but also to learn, fellowship and serve.
The Methodist work in Hyderabad grew beyond
regular worship services. Prayer meetings,
class meetings, pastoral visitation, Sunday School
and practical service became important parts of
the church's continuing life and witness.
The church provided a permanent place where
people could gather in worship, prayer and
fellowship, continuing the Methodist witness
established in Hyderabad.
The church also served as a place of worship
for Hindustani and Telugu-speaking congregations,
reflecting its connection with the wider
community of Hyderabad.
Located in the heart of the city, the church
remains connected to generations of people who
worshipped, served and contributed to its
continuing story.
What began with small gatherings and prayer meetings
grew into a lasting Methodist presence —
rooted in faith and connected to the community.
From the first Methodist prayer meetings in Hyderabad
to the continuing life of the congregation today,
CMEC remains a place of faith, worship, community
and service.
Pastoral leadership and ministry at
Centenary Methodist English Church.
Supporting the pastoral ministry and
life of the congregation.
