ABOUT CMEC

A Church Rooted in Faith & Heritage

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.

A heritage that continues to inspire faith, worship and service.

OUR BEGINNING

The Beginning of Our Journey

From the first Methodist prayer meetings to the establishment of a permanent church in Hyderabad.

1874
01 · THE BEGINNING

The First Prayer Meetings

Captain Winckler began cottage prayer meetings in Secunderabad. The Methodist work soon extended to Bolarum and Chaderghat.

1875
02 · GROWING FAITH

A Growing Methodist Work

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.

1877
03 · A PLACE TO WORSHIP

The Church Building

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.

BUILDING THE CHURCH

A Church Built Together

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.
1875

The Decision to Build

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.

1877

A Permanent Church

The church was completed and dedicated in 1877, marking an important milestone in the development of Methodist work in Hyderabad.
THE COMMUNITY

Built Through Shared Effort

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.
THE BUILDERS

Faith Put Into Action

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.

₹25,000

APPROXIMATE TOTAL COST

East Wing

PART OF THE ORIGINAL CHURCH

1877

YEAR OF DEDICATION

What began with prayer and a shared vision became a lasting place of worship for generations to come.

GROWING MINISTRY & COMMUNITY

Faith That Reached Beyond the Church

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.
1880s

Worship, Education & Service

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.

Education

A Commitment to Learning

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

Nurturing Young Lives

Sunday School became an important part of church life, with children participating in classes and learning within the Methodist community.
Community Service

Faith in Action

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.

THE CHURCH THROUGH THE YEARS

A Heritage That Continued to Grow

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
Church Improvements
1913
Community Care
1927
Further Renewal
1906

Improvements That Shaped the Church

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 Wider Commitment to Care

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

Renewing the Church Facilities

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.

WORSHIP • COMMUNITY • HERITAGE

More Than a Place of Worship —

A Place of Belonging

01
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.
01 — WORSHIP

A Place to Gather

The church provided a permanent place where people could gather in worship, prayer and fellowship, continuing the Methodist witness established in Hyderabad.

02 — COMMUNITY

Serving a Wider Community

The church also served as a place of worship for Hindustani and Telugu-speaking congregations, reflecting its connection with the wider community of Hyderabad.
03 — HERITAGE

A Legacy in the City

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.

150+

Years of Methodist witness

OUR HERITAGE TODAY

A Story That Began in 1874 Still Lives Today.

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.

OUR LEADERSHIP

Serving the Church Today

PASTOR

Rev. Dr. Sanjay A Paul

Pastor at Centenary Methodist English Church and
District Superintendent of Hyderabad District – HRC
ASSOCIATE PASTOR

Rev. Timothy

Associate Pastor at Centenary Methodist English Church.
OUR MISSION

The Heart of Our Calling

01

Belong to Jesus!

02

Grow in Jesus!

03

Serve Jesus!

Come Worship With Us

Join us for Sunday worship and fellowship.

SUNDAY MORNING
7:30 AM
SUNDAY EVENING
6:30 PM