User:Rev.Canon D. Koilpillai/sandbox

 Early Life 

Rev. D. Koilpillai's Early life started in South Africa. Immediately after graduating (B.A), he left South Africa in the early 1900s. He joined Saint Aidan's Trinity College Natal as Vice  principal. He was working in Natal a wealthy Indian businessman, Mr. George gave his daughter Mary Elizabeth in marriage to him. The marriage took place at Aidan, Durban on 26th July 1905. Mary Elizabeth passed away early.

D. Koilpillai Married for the second time Emma Ganabagyam, daughter of Rev.Joseph Gnanavolivu on 10th September. 1913. The marriage took place at St Peter's Church Tanjore. Rev. Joseph Gnanavolivu was a highly honored pastor inSt Paul's Church vepery madras. He suffered a martyr’s death on 19th April 1897. His widow received a pension of thirty pounds per month from the British Government.till her death (she had ten children to feed)

 Missionary Life 

Rev. Draviam Koilpillai, B.A. (1880-1942) was tall, dark and handsome. He studied in Nazareth and Idayangudi. After graduation, he worked as a teacher and (later) headmaster in Natal (S. Africa). He was military Chaplain at Mesopotamia (now Iraq) during 1920-21. He then went on for theological studies and became a pastor in Natal. He built the St. John's Church (now Cathedral) in Nazareth. His home was 50 yards from the Church. He was a friend of M.K. Gandhiji and they used to discuss the "Sermon on the Mount". He wore only khadi clothes in support of the swadeshi movement.

 Church History 

As the history of the church, a small village by name “Shanpathu” with 8 families became Christians in the year 1803 through Rev. Sathyanathan. Its revenue extent is 7 sq. miles. The first church a thatched building with palmyrah leaves was built in 1803 named St. John’s church at Nazareth. In 20/11/1830 the 2nd church was built by Rev. Adaikalam. It was decided to build a new church. In June 1920 this church was demolished and the foundation was laid for a new church on 5/7/1920 by Rt. Rev. E.H.M. Waller, Bishop in Tirunelvelli. A temporary church was built in front of the present church.

On 26th May 1924 Rev.C.S.Stapley the then Presbyter and missionary was transferred and handed over charge to Rev. Diraviam.Koilpillai, who took charge and the present St. John's church, Nazareth was built by him. The church was dedicated by Rt. Rev. Norman H.Tubbs, Bishop in Tirunelvelli on 12th March 1928. In recognition of his service he as made a Canon in 1940 by Rt.Rev. Neil.

 Death 

Rev. Canon D. Koilpillai's health started failing and he was admitted in Neyoor Mission hospital for treatment and passed away on 20th June 1942 (aged 61). He was buried in Idayankudi. The government of India honored him by issuing a special postal cover on 27 Dec 1988.