The Coles Centennial Telugu Baptist Church, Kurnool

On August 6th, 1893, the Roger Memorial Gospel Hall was opened, providing a permanent place of worship for Christians and a center for aggressive evangelistic work. By the end of 1894 the church membership has more than 500 people. In 1900, Rev.W.R.Manley took charge of Kurnool work in the furlongh period of Dr. Staton. In the spring of 1910 to 1912 Rev.G.J.Huizinga took up the reins in the II furlongh period. On the 25th May, 1918, the Kodmur Baptist Church was organized.
From 1813 American Foreign Missions were allowed by the British government to proclaim the gospel & to do social services in India, for their successful completion of their services for more than 100 years and In recognition of Divine Power Revealed in the beginning and growth of American Foreign Missions, 1813 – 1913. American mission society wanted to erection of a commodious and beautiful church, so the name Centennial has been added to church name.
In response to the request of Dr. Staton, of great benefactor Dr.Coles generously agreed to the plan for the erection of a commodious and beautiful church building. On Nov 3rd, 1917, the Foundation Stone was laid by our beloved Senior Missionary, Rev.John New Comb. On Sept. 1st, 1918, the Kurnool Town Church was established. The work of construction was greatly delayed by the war, and the great building was completed on September 21st, 1919. By recognizing to the work of Missionary’s in India the foreign Missionary Society has named this church as the Coles Centennial Telugu Baptist Church.
In response to the request of Dr. Staton, of great benefactor Dr.Coles generously agreed to the plan for the erection of a commodious and beautiful church building. On Nov 3rd, 1917, the Foundation Stone was laid by our beloved Senior Missionary, Rev.John New Comb. On Sept. 1st, 1918, the Kurnool Town Church was established. The work of construction was greatly delayed by the war, and the great building was completed on September 21st, 1919. By recognizing to the work of Missionary’s in India the foreign Missionary Society has named this church as the Coles Centennial Telugu Baptist Church.
Kurnool is an old Historic and Picturesque town on the banks of Hundri and Tungabhadra rivers. The Coles Centennial Telugu Baptist Church stands one of the finest sites in the town opposite the Coles Memorial Junior College and High School, on the main through fare of the town. Kurnool, situated in South India, is the first capital of Andhra Pradesh, India.
The church building, which is one of the most beautiful edifices in the South India, is a monument to an energetic missionary vision and painstaking efforts of Dr.Stanton. The building is gothic in design spanned by lofty arches and adorned with beautiful rose windows in the gable and chancel. It is flanked by magnificent tower, rising over one hundred feet above the ground, equipped with a tower clock and bell sent out from America by Dr.Coles as a gift, with an inscription of his own design. The church edifice is constructed of beautiful limestone, every stone chisel-dressed. The magnificent building within its walls, an inscription is placed in accordance with the wish of Dr.Coles.
The gift of J. Ackerman Coles, M.D., LL.D.,
In recognition of Divine Power
Revealed in the beginning and growth of American Foreign Missions,1813 – 1913.
Also in remembrance of his Father, Abraham Coles, M.D., Ph.D., LL.D.
And of his Mother, Mrs. Caroline E. Ackerman Coles,
And of all who like them have been identified therewith.

In this inscription is expressed in beautiful language the meaning of this Memorial.
It is a gift of love.
It is a Memorial to the great Enterprise of Foreign Missions.
It is a Temple of the Living God.

It was a gift given to the Kurnool Believers by Rev.Dr.J.Ackerman Coles M.D.LLD. who has never visited the Kurnool town. The Church building is one of the most beautiful edifice in south India and a monument to an energetic missionary vision & painstaking efforts of Dr.William Aurthur Staton. This Church was constructed for only 50 member group of believers which at present has almost 10,000 believers with 10 sub branch churches. It is located in the center of the city near to Konda reddy Fort)