CSI Hindustani Church

CSI Hindustani Church, located within the premises of Vishranti Nilayam on Infantry Road, Bengaluru, is a historic worshipping community under the Karnataka Central Diocese of the Church of South India (CSI). The church traces its origins to missionary work begun more than 160 years ago by the Church of England Zenana Missionary Society (CEZM), which served women and families in the Bangalore Cantonment area.

During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, CEZM missionaries established several important institutions in the Cantonment region including schools, medical missions, and homes for women and children. These missions primarily served women who lived in purdah or came from socially marginalized backgrounds. A mission hospital, Urdu-medium schools, and a residential home were established near Infantry Road and Shivajinagar to provide education, medical care, and spiritual support.

To meet the spiritual needs of the mission community, regular gatherings for worship, prayer, and Bible study began in the early 1900s. In March 1934, a dedicated church building was commissioned on the Vishranti Nilayam campus and formally consecrated as a House of Prayer. This building later became known as the CSI Hindustani Church, serving believers who worshipped in Hindustani (Hindi/Urdu) language traditions.

After India's independence in 1947 and the formation of the Church of South India, many missionary institutions and properties previously administered by British missions were transferred to Indian church leadership. The CEZM mission work in Bangalore was placed under the care of the Mysore Diocese of the CSI.

In 1950, the Bishop of Mysore Diocese transferred the administration of the CEZM Women's Program and its properties on Infantry Road to the Synod of the Church of South India. These premises later became the headquarters for the CSI Women's Order and the CSI Women's Fellowship. Despite this administrative change, the local worshipping congregation continued as a diocesan church and was pastorally attached to St. Paul's Church, located near the entrance of the Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospitals in Bengaluru.

During subsequent decades the church experienced a long period of decline and neglect. Nevertheless, pastoral care continued through successive presbyters from St. Paul's Church including Rev. Logapathi, Rev. Pramanand, and Rev. Jacob. Through the faith and dedication of a small group of believers, regular worship services and prayers continued faithfully even during these challenging years.

For more than eight decades (1934-2017), a handful of committed members preserved the spiritual life of the church. Their perseverance helped sustain the congregation until renewed interest and participation gradually revived the fellowship.

Today the CSI Hindustani Church has grown into a vibrant congregation welcoming believers from diverse regions of India including the North, West, East, and Central states. Reflecting the multicultural character of Bengaluru, the church serves as a spiritual home for many migrants who come to the city for education and employment.

Worship services are conducted primarily in Hindi, making the church an important place of fellowship for Hindi-speaking Christians living in Bengaluru. Many professionals, including those working in the technology sector, find community, prayer, and spiritual encouragement here as they build their lives in the city.

Guided by the vision of the Church of South India, the congregation continues its mission of proclaiming the Gospel, nurturing believers in faith, and serving the wider community with compassion and fellowship.