About us
Welcome to St. John’s Telugu Church
“For the Lord is good, his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.”
— Psalm 100:5
We warmly welcome you to St. John’s Telugu Church, a cornerstone of the Telugu-speaking Christian community in Pune. Established in 1866, we are a vibrant congregation committed to worship, fellowship and service. With a rich history spanning over 150 years, our church is a place where faith meets tradition, and community bonds are strengthened.
Our brief
Our Mission
To glorify God through worship, evangelism, and service, reaching out to the Telugu-speaking community in Pune with the love of Christ.
Our Vision
To be a beacon of hope, faith, and love, nurturing believers and reaching out to the broader community with the Gospel. We strive to create an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can grow spiritually and find a sense of belonging.
Church activities & highlights
Building Faith, Fostering Community, Serving with Love.
“Every 3rd Saturday, we hold a Monthly Intercessory Prayer from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM at our church. All are welcome to join us in prayer and fellowship.”
Monthly Intercessory Prayer
Christmas & New Year Services – A season of joy and reflection, including Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, Christmas Day Worship, and New Year’s Thanksgiving Service.
- Pentecost Sunday – Honoring the outpouring of the Holy Spirit with powerful prayers and worship.
- Harvest Festival – A time of gratitude, where we offer our first fruits to the Lord in thanksgiving.
Special Services & Celebrations
Our leadership
At St. John’s Telugu Church, our leadership team is dedicated to fostering spiritual growth, building a strong sense of community, and guiding our congregation in faith and service. With a shared vision and commitment to God’s work, they strive to uphold the mission of the church and serve as role models of Christian love and humility.
Rev. Reshma Gaikwad
Presbyter-in-Charge
Rev. Reshma Gaikwad has been serving as our pastor since 2021, bringing profound wisdom, compassion, and dedicated leadership to the church. She is the daughter of Rt. Rev. P. P. Gaikwad, the first Bishop of Pune Diocese, and Rev. R. P. Gaikwad, who served as a pastor in the Pune Diocese for nearly 15 years. Continuing her family’s remarkable legacy, Rev. Resha Gaikwad is a source of inspiration and guidance to our congregation.
Mr. Victor Papabatini
honorary Secretary
Victor Papabatini, as our Church Secretary, plays a pivotal role in coordinating church activities and ensuring seamless communication within the congregation. His organizational skills and dedication make him an invaluable part of our leadership team.
Mr. Nathaniel Bathula
honorary treasurer
Nathaniel bathula oversees the financial stewardship of the church, ensuring transparency and responsible management of resources.
Our history
A Journey of faith since 1866
St. John’s Telugu Church, originally known as Garrison Church, was established in 1866 in the historic cantonment area of Ghorpuri, Pune. Built to serve as a soldier’s chapel, it soon became a spiritual sanctuary for the Telugu-speaking Christian community during British rule. Over the years, the church has transformed into a cornerstone of faith, worship, and fellowship, deeply rooted in its cultural and spiritual heritage.
In its early days, services were conducted in English, but special arrangements were later made to include Telugu worship, creating a welcoming space for the community. Post-Independence, the church became part of the Church of North India (CNI) and continues to stand as a beacon of hope for the Telugu-speaking community in Pune.
Key milestones
1866: Founded as Garrison Church to serve the cantonments of Pune.
1935: The Mothers’ Union gifted a hymn board and altar railings, symbolizing love and devotion.
1948: Transitioned to Indian governance under the India Church Trustees (ICT).
1999: Recognized as the third oldest church in the Pune Diocese of the Church of North India (CNI).
For over 150 years, St. John’s Telugu Church has been a steadfast witness to God’s love and grace. Its walls echo with prayers of generations past and present, and its doors remain open to all seeking spiritual growth and community.
Find us
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