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God, in His mercy, chose Pastor K.E. Abraham as the founder of The Indian Pentecostal Church Of God. Born on March I, 1899 to Godly parents of Jacobite faith at Mulakuzha, boy Abraham was saved at the age of seven in 1906 and was baptised in water on February 27, 1916 by Mahakavi K.V. Simon. As a young man Brother Abraham ministered among the youth and many young people were saved. As a minister of the Gospel he had built a small place of worship adjacent to his house at Mulakuzha in 1920. Those who were saved through his ministry were baptised by him and the congregation began worshipping in this place.   Some American missionaries who had come to South India in the early years of the century had published some Gospel tracts about the baptism of the Holy Spirit before they left India in 1914 when the First World War began. Brother Abraham got some of these tracts and came to know about the doctrine of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. The Lord filled Brother Abraham with the Holy Spirit on Sunday April 22, 1923. As this experience was new to the congregation with Brother Abraham, it was hard for them to accept it. After about six months of waiting and praying, the Lord did a great miracle in their midst which convinced the people about the power of God and about the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. The majority of the congregation received the baptism of the Holy Spirit by the end of 1923, and the Lord enabled Bro. K.E. Abraham to start afresh his congregation as a Pentecostal gathering in January 1924. This was the origin of the great Pentecostal Movement in India.   Being a school - teacher, Bro. Abraham was confined to school work during week-days. But during week-ends he used to visit other places and preach the full Gospel. By his ministry in different places, many had come to the saving power of Jesus Christ and the baptism of the Holy Spirit and small assemblies were established at Vettiyar, Pandalam, Punthala, Kumbanad, Elanthoor and other places, besides Mulakuzha. Though the congregations in these places had fellowship one with the other, they had not taken a name, but were known as "Brothers at Kumbanad", "Brothers at Vettiyar", "Brothers at Pandalam" and so on.   Monthly fellowship meetings of these assemblies were held regularly from April 1924. Representatives from these assemblies began to meet from time to time and discuss about the progress of the work. As the founder and leader of the fellowship, Bro. K.E. Abraham presided over the monthly meetings and the meetings of the church representatives.   In July 1924 a marriage had to be performed in this fellowship for which they needed a marriage register of a church. So, guided by the Spirit of God, Brother Abraham chose the name The South Indian Pentecostal Church of God. Marriage Register was printed and the first marriage in this church was solemnized on July 31,1924.   God raised other ministers in this fellowship. Most of them were baptised in water or led to the Baptism of the Holy Spirit by Bro. K.E. Abraham. Some of the ministers were Bros. K.C.Cherian (Mezhuveli), K.C. Cherian (Vettiyar), P.M Samuel (Keekozhoor), K.C. Oommen (Kumbanad), K.M. Zachariah (Punnakkad) and P.T. Varghese (Chethakkal). By the end of 1926 there were over 20 local churches and 25 ministers in this fellowship.   The first convention of this fellowship was held at Ranni during April 1 to 5, 1925. Pastor K.E. Abraham, the leader of the fellowship was the main speaker along with Pastor A.J. John.   Though The South Indian Pentecostal Church of God had fellowship with The South Indian Full Gospel Church led by Pastor Robert F. Cook and also with the brothers  from Ceylon during these early days, The South Indian Pentecostal Church of God under the leadership of Pastor K.E. Abraham always kept its identity and stood for Biblical truths and Apostolic pattern.   In May 1930 Pastor K.E. Abraham and family moved from Mulakuzha to Kumbanad. The Lord gave Pastor Abraham the vision about a Bible school to train up young people for the ministry. So in June 1930 he started the Hebron Bible School.   The Pentecostal work began to spread to other parts of Travancore as well as neighbouring States of Cochin and Tamilnadu. To co-ordinate the small assemblies in all these places a governing body comprising of 12 ministers in the fellowship was formed which was called " The South Indian Pentecostal Church Ministers Council" (SIPC Ministers Council). This Council had no President but only a Secretary. Pastor K.E. Abraham was chosen as the Secretary. On December 20, 1933 "The South Indian Pentecostal Church of God" was registered at Aranmula with the Government of Travancore.   Within a short period the work spread to Mysore, Madras, Hyderabad and some places in North India. Hence the Body of Representatives that met in May 1934 found it necessary to change the church-name to "The Indian Pentecostal Church of God" after deleting the word "South" from the original name. In 1935, at the end of the Bible School term (June, July and August) Pastors K.E. Abraham and P.T. Chacko, after a tour of North India reached Eluru on the east coast of erstwhile Hyderabad State; Pastor P.M. Samuel, after his tour of Tamilnad, met them at Eluru. "The Indian Pentecostal Church of God" was registered with the Government of India under the Societies Act XXI of 1860 at Eluru on December 9,1935 with the Registration Number 9/1935-36. Brother B.S. Lukeson, a clerk in the Registrar's office and Bro. K.R. John, a supdt. in the Irrigation Department at Eluru assisted Pastors K.E.Abraham, P.T.Chacko and P.M .Samuel for the registration.   Pastor P.M. Samuel who was in Andhra Pradesh most of the time was chosen as the President; Pastor K.C. Cherian who had moved to Karnataka as Vice-President; Pastor P.T. Chacko representing Travancore as Secretary. The expenses for the registration was met by Pastors K.E. Abraham, P.T. Chacko and P.M.Samuel.   In 1936, at the invitation of the Swedish Pentecostal Churches, Pastors K.E. Abraham and K.C. Cherian visited Sweden and other Scandinavian countries and a few other European countries for about two years. During that time the Lord gave a deeper vision to IPC Ministers about the work in India. From the State of Travancore, Pastor P.T. Chacko and family moved to Eluru and then to Secunderabad; Pastor P.M. Samuel and family to Vijayawada; Pastor M.K. Chacko and family to Delhi; Pastor K.J. Samuel and family to Lahore; Pastor Kurian Thomas and family to Itarsi; Pastor P.J. Daniel and family to Allahabad. These were the pioneers of IPC work outside Travancore, the cradle of Pentecostalism in India.   From 1939 onwards Pastor K.E. Abraham held the office of the President, till his Home-call in December 1974. Pastor Abraham was succeeded by Pastor P.M.Samuel and then Pastor T.G. Oommen followed by Pastor P.L. Paramjyothi. When Pastor Paramjyothi entered glory in 1996, Pastor K.M. Joseph, the Vice President assumed office as President at the decision of the General Council. Pastor P.T.Chacko was the General Secretary at the time of the Registration of the Church.   Other ministers who had served as secretaries in latter years were: Pastors K.C.Oomen, K.J.Samuel, T.N. Abraham, P.M. Philip, V.A. Thomas and George Varghese. Pastor T.S. Abraham serve as the General Secretary of the Church from 1990 to 2000. Pastor John D. Sunder Rao is the Vice - President and Bro. Thomas Vadakekut is the General Treasurer.   The Lord began to bless the work and churches were established in the various parts of India. In due course of time, IPC believers who went to the Arabian countries, the United States of America and Canada established local churches there also. At present, The Indian Pentecostal Church of God has nearly 4200 local churches spread throughout the various states of India and places outside India.   THE INDIAN PENTECOSTAL CHURCH OF GOD (Registered in 1935 at Eluru, A.P., under the Societies Act XXI of 1860. Register No. 9/1935-36)       PHOTO GALLERY - PIONEERS OF IPC 1 Pastor K.E. Abraham (1899 - 1974) * A great preacher, a tireless evangelist, an efficient administrator, a forceful writer, author of several books, a diplomatic leader, an internationally acknowledged Apostle. * Pastor K.E. Abraham brought up IPC as the foremost Pentecostal movement in India. * Now IPC has churches in several countries of the world.   2 Pastor K.C. Oommen (Kodumthara Oommachan) (1891 - 1944) * Close friend and co-worker of Pastor K.E. Abraham * Pastor of Hebron church, Kumbanad till his death * Fervant evangelist, Church planter and Prayer warrior with spiritual gifts of healing and discernment * Donated all his property to IPC which is now part of the IPC headquarters compound in Kumbanad 3 Pastor P. M. Samuel (1903 - 1981) * The first president of IPC * Anointed Apostle who spearheaded the Pentecostal movement in Tamil Nad & Andhra Pradesh * Travelled throughout the world preaching the gospel 4 Pastor K.C. Cherian (1900 - 1954) * Selfless missionary who did pioneering work in several parts of Kerala and Karnataka * One of the first IPC missionaries to tour Sweden & other European countries and USA * A strong exponent of the independence of local churches 5 Pastor P. T. Mathew (Podimala Mathaichan) (1883 - 1959) * Plunged into full time gospel work after the great Poovathoor revival of 1929 * Selfless pioneer missionary and church planter * Proclaimed the Pentecostal message in Kottayam and several parts od Northern Travancore 6 Pastor T. K. Mathew (Karamvelil Mathaichan) (Died:1979) * A prayer warrior with a gift of prophecy * A fervent evangelist who proclaimed the Pentecostal message several parts of Kerala 7 Pastor T. G. Oommen (1905 - 1985) * A mighty warrior for the gospel of Jesus Christ * Bible scholar and teacher * Author of several doctrinal expositions * Served as IPC General Council President * Strict disciplinarian with exemplary testimony 8 Pastor P.T. Chacko (Died: 1990) * The pioneer missionary who dedicated his entire life for evangelistic work in Andhra * Established the first local IPC Church in Eluru, Andhra Pradesh * Trained many local workers and helped in establishing many churches throughout the state * Bible scholar and teacher * The first BD graduate among Malayalee Pentecostals * Served as IPC General Council secretary 9 Pastor P.T. Varghese (Chethakkal Keevarchan) (1883 - 1970) * The church planter who did pioneering work in northern parts of Travancore like Moovattupuzha, Valakam, etc. and later on in other places in Kerala * Respected by all for his self-effacing personality 10 Pastor V.T. Thomas (Kunnathumkara Kuttiyachan) (1903 - 1970) * The pioneer missionary who took the gospel to Tamil Nadu and different parts of Kerala * Powerful preacher and strong leader of people * Served as District Pastor and contributed immensely for the growth of IPC 11 Pastor K.M Chacko (Bhakthan Kuttiyachan) (1904 - 1970) * A prayer warrior who earned the title of "Bhakthan" by popular acclaim by his attitude and walk * Resolute in his commitment till the end not to keep any money for himself and not to seek medical help * Excellent shepherd caring for his sheep in his fold 12 Pastor P.J. Philip (Bhagavathar Philipochan) (1905 - 1987) * Church planter and fearless evangelist * Pastoral ministry in many churches in central Travancore * Expert instrumentalist and music teacher * Song leader for 35 years at the Kumbanad convention 13 Pastor K.C. Cherian (Vettiyattu Cheriachan) (1898 - 1976) * Warrior of faith who donated all his property to IPC * Church planter and fearless evangelist * Pastoral ministry in many churches in Kerala * Man of prayer with gifts of healing and discernment 14 Pastor K.J. Samuel (1912 - 1970) * Pioneer missionary in North India (in Lahore, Ludhiana, Amritsar, etc.) * General Secretary of IPC * Principal of Hebron Bible College * Editor of Seeyon Kahalam * Founder of IPC Sunday Schools Association * Formulated syllabus for Sunday School for the first time and prepared teachers' guide for all classes * Bible Scholar and Minister of the Word of God * Toured various countries like England, Sweden, Norway, Finland, USA, etc. 15 Pastor K.C. John (Patheechira Yohannachan) (1901 - 1979) * Evangelistic work in several places in Kerala and Andhra * Well known for his prophetic and healing ministries * Many testimonies of miraculous healing * Prayer warrior and prophet who strengthened many in their faith 16 Pastor M.K. Chacko (1906 - 1985) * The first missionary from Kerala to go to North India * Preached the gospel in all North Indian states * Established the first Hindi Pentecostal church in Delhi * Encouraged many missionaries to go out into unreached places in North India 17 Pastor C.K. Daniel (1914 - 1984) * Evangelistic work in many parts of Kerala * Pastor of several churches and District Pastor for many years * A widely travelled missionary * Served as President, Kerala State Council * Able administrator and Bible teacher 18 Pastor K.V. Kurian (Kuttapuzha Kuriachan) (1907 - 1964) * Pastor of several churches and District Pastor for many years * Widely travelled in Sri Lanka, Andamans, Malayasia, etc. * Travelled on a bicycle from Kashmir to Assam proclaiming the Gospel 19 Pastor T.N. Abraham (1908 - 1974) * Pastor of several churches and District Pastor for many years * Bible Scholar and Teacher * Member, IPC Presbytery and Convention Preacher * Church planter in different parts of Kerala * Model minister of the Word * Ever prepared to encourage fellow workers and train new leaders 20 Pastor K.J. Philip (Kochupurackal Philipochan) (1903 - 1973) * Pastor, Missionary & Convention speaker * A widely travelled Bible Scholar and Teacher * Author of many books and articles * Main subject of teaching: "Israel, the war weapon of God" * Church planter in different parts of Kerala, Cuttack (Orissa) and Kakinada (Andhra) 21 Pastor P.K. Chacko (1917 - 2000) * Pastor, Missionary & Convention speaker * A widely travelled Bible Scholar and Teacher * Church planter in different parts of Kerala * President, Kerala State Council for several years 22 Pastor M.V. Chacko (Mundiyappally Chackochan) (1909 - 2000) * Pioneering work in many parts of Kerala * Pastoral ministry in Singapore * Well known Church planter in different places * President, Kerala State Council for some time 23 Pastor P.M. Philip (1915 - 2000) * Gospel Preacher from the age of 14 * Church planting in Kottayam District * Founder of Shalem Bible School and Excellent Bible Teacher * Widely travelled missionary in all parts of India and other countries of the world * General Secretary, IPC and President, Kerala State Council for many years 24 Pastor V.T. Joseph (Died:2001) * Church planting in Kerala, Tamil Nadu & Andhra * District Pastor in several districts of Kerala for many years * Profound Bible Scholar, nicknamed "The Bible Computer" * Widely travelled as a missionary in many places in all the five continents of the world * President, IPC General Council for many years and later designated as Patron till death 25 Pastor P.L. Paranjyothi * Pioneer church planting work in several districts of Andhra * Bible Scholar, Convention speaker * Widely travelled as a missionary in many countries of the world * President, IPC General Council for many years