Narayan Seshadri: A Pioneer of Christian Mission

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Rev. Narayan Seshadri

 Bethel village in Jalna district of Maharashtra Founded by the visionary Narayan Seshadri, Bethel is a unique Christian village that has preserved its distinct identity for over a century.

 Narayan Seshadri, a Brahmin from Gangakhed, embarked on a journey of education in Pune in 1833. There, he encountered Christianity and was baptized in 1843. In 1866, he was appointed as a Free Church Missionary to Jalna.

The Birth of Bethel

Inspired by his Christian beliefs, Seshadri envisioned a community where Christians could live and worship freely. In 1870, he established Bethel, a colony of Christian communities, six kilometers from Jalna. The village was built around the Zion Church, with houses arranged in a circular pattern.

Support and Recognition

Seshadri's achievements caught the attention of Sir Salarjung Jung Bahadur, the chief minister of the Nizam government. Impressed by his work, Bahadur invited Seshadri to the court and bestowed upon him 1,000 bighas of land. Out of this, 400 bighas were given as a reward, while 600 bighas were allocated for settlement.

Today, Bethel remains a village with a 100% Christian population. The land granted to the villagers over 150 years ago is still their primary source of livelihood. However, due to generational distributions, individual landholdings have become fragmented, hindering the village's development.

Zion Church: A Symbol of Faith

The Zion Church, situated on a hilltop in the center of Bethel, is the heart of the community. Built in 1870, the church features an original dais from 1901 and a bell that still summons the villagers for worship.

Christmas is a time of great joy and celebration in Bethel. The church is adorned with festive decorations, and the villagers gather for special services and a communal meal. The spirit of Christmas fills the air, bringing a sense of unity and peace to the community.

Bethel Christian settlements are a living testament to the transformative power of faith. Founded by Narayan Seshadri, Bethel has preserved its distinct identity for over a century, providing a home for a community of believers. The Zion Church stands as a symbol of their shared faith, while the Christmas celebrations bring joy and unity to the village. Bethel is a reminder that even in the face of challenges, the bonds of community and the power of faith can create a lasting legacy.

Samuel Navkar

Freelance Journalist

I am Samuel Navkar, freelance Journalist, and blogger.

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