Dr. Archibald Ramsay: Medical Mission and Worship
In Travancore, indigenous physicians and traditional midwives provided medical treatment to the people. Although doctors had been appointed to serve the employees of the Dutch, Portuguese, and the East India Company, ordinary people had very little access to medical care. Therefore, at the invitation of Rev. Mead, Dr. Archibald Ramsay began his medical work in March 1838 in the building that Rev. Mead had constructed at Neyyoor. Dr. Archibald Ramsay had the practice of beginning his medical service each day by first reading the Holy Scriptures and offering prayer before attending to his patients. The purpose of this practice was to make the people understand that "Jesus is the Great Physician." Thus, the integration of medical service and Christian worship became the distinctive feature with which the Neyyoor Mission Hospital began.
Ordained Medical Missionaries and Worship
During the early years, the London Missionary Society (LMS) appointed its medical doctors as ordained medical missionaries, granting them ordination so that they could serve both as physicians and ministers of the Gospel.
1. Rev. Dr. Charles Holder Leese
After Dr. Archibald Ramsay resigned in 1842, there was a gap of ten years. In 1852, Rev. Mead requested the London Missionary Society to send another medical missionary. In response, the LMS appointed Rev. Dr. Charles Holder Leese. Rev. Dr. Leese commenced his medical ministry on 3 July 1853. Even before beginning his medical practice, he devoted an entire year primarily to preaching and evangelistic ministry. From the time he began his medical work until his death on 25 August 1854, both medical service and daily worship were carried out with great dedication and distinction.
2. Rev. Dr. John Lowe
The medical missionary Rev. Dr. John Lowe arrived at Neyyoor on 21 November 1861. He reopened the hospital building constructed by Rev. Dr. Leese and continued its ministry with distinction. Alongside the ministry of these medical missionaries, evangelistic work flourished, leading to the establishment of many churches in different places. However, no chapel had yet been built within the hospital premises. Owing to the ill health of his wife, Rev. Dr. John Lowe returned to his homeland in August 1868.
Hospital Worship During the Period of Non-Ordained Doctors
After Rev. Dr. John Lowe, the hospital was served by doctors who were not ordained ministers. Although they continued the medical work efficiently, there is no evidence that the same importance was given to daily worship as had been during the period of the ordained medical missionaries.
The doctors who served during this period were:
- Dr. Thomas N. Smith Thomas (29 January 1873 – 31 July 1884)
- Dr. D. Edwin Sergeant Pyne (11 February 1886 – October 1892)
- Dr. A. Pells (30 January 1893 – 1901)
- Dr. William Charles Pennell (1902 – 1907)
- Dr. James Davidson (1905 – 1914)
The following served along with them:
- Dr. H. C. Orrin
- Dr. O. H. Bullock
Dr. T. H. Somervell: Medicine and the Chapel
In 1922, the gifted and adventurous Dr. T. H. Somervell, who had successfully completed an expedition to the Himalayas, visited Neyyoor. On observing the work of Dr. F. Buck (or Dr. Buck), he was deeply attracted to the ministry of medical missions. With the support of his father, William Henry Somervell, who served as the Treasurer of the London Missionary Society, Dr. T. H. Somervell joined the Neyyoor Mission Hospital in 1923 and began his ministry there as a medical doctor. While Dr. T. H. Somervell was rendering outstanding medical service at Neyyoor, his father, W. H. Somervell, passed away in 1934. Thereafter, Dr. T. H. Somervell brought his mother, his wife, and their children to Neyyoor. In memory of her late husband, Dr. Somervell's mother generously donated funds for the construction of a chapel within the Neyyoor Mission Hospital. Accordingly, in April 1935, the foundation stone for the chapel was laid by Dr. T. H. Somervell. The chapel was designed and constructed in the traditional South Indian architectural style, becoming a significant spiritual landmark within the hospital campus.
The Dedication of the W. H. Somervell Memorial Chapel
On 18 January 1937, the W. H. Somervell Memorial Chapel was dedicated during a special worship service led by Mar Thoma Metropolitan Rt. Rev. Abraham Mar Gregorios and Rev. J. A. Jacob. An inscription on the exterior wall of the chapel reads:
"TO THE GLORY OF GOD AND IN MEMORY OF W. H. S. 1860–1934."
One of the distinctive features of this chapel is that it was constructed without doors or windows, remaining open on all sides. The primary purpose of this design was to ensure that people of every religion could enter at any time to present their burdens, anxieties, and prayers before God. Even today, people from many different faith traditions come to the chapel without any sense of religious discrimination or division, offering their prayers and placing their concerns before God. Thus, the William Henry Somervell Memorial Chapel at the Neyyoor Mission Hospital has become a symbol of interfaith harmony and spiritual fellowship.
Weekly prayer meetings for the staff of the hospital were regularly conducted in the chapel. In addition, various other worship services and prayer gatherings were also held there. However, no documentary records are available to identify the individuals who led these worship services and prayer meetings. Before the formation of the Kanyakumari Diocese of the Church of South India (CSI), the chapel functioned under the Neyyoor Pastorate of the South Travancore Diocese.
The Chapel under the Kanyakumari Diocese
Rt. Rev. I. R. H. Gnanadason (from 19 December 1959)
Following the formation of the Kanyakumari Diocese of the Church of South India (CSI) in 1956, the chapel at the Neyyoor Mission Hospital came under the administration of the diocese. During the episcopate of Rt. Rev. I. R. H. Gnanadason, who assumed office as the first Bishop of the Kanyakumari Diocese on 19 December 1959, Rev. Sathyaraj resigned from his position in 1969. Consequently, Rev. P. Selvaraj was appointed as the chaplain of the Neyyoor Mission Hospital Chapel. Bishop Gnanadason conducted confirmation services at the chapel on 16 March 1969 and 19 August 1970.
Rt. Rev. C. Selvamony (from 5 June 1973)
When Rt. Rev. C. Selvamony became Bishop on 5 June 1973, Rev. G. Joseph succeeded Rev. Samuel Kutty as the chaplain of the Neyyoor Mission Hospital Chapel. Bishop Selvamony conducted confirmation services at the chapel in 1975 and 1977.
Rt. Rev. P. Christudas (from 2 May 1980)
During the episcopate of Rt. Rev. P. Christudas, who assumed office on 2 May 1980, the following ministers served as chaplains of the Neyyoor Mission Hospital Chapel: Rev. Joseph, Rev. D. M. Soundararaj, Rev. Moses Das, Rev. M. C. Aruliah, Rev. M. Raj, Rev. Abraham Yesudhas, and Rev. D. S. Selvaraj (1996–1997). Although confirmation services were held in 1980 and 1985, no records are available identifying the bishop or clergy who conducted them. On 25 October 1987, Bishop P. Christudas personally conducted a confirmation service at the chapel. From 1988 to 1993, Mr. A. Wesley Christopher, and from 1993 to 1997, Mr. A. Jebaseelan, who served as Assistant Evangelistic Workers among the youth, conducted weekly Bible meditation classes every Thursday for the students of the School of Nursing. During the tenure of Rev. D. S. Selvaraj, Rev. Thilagadas conducted confirmation services at the chapel. On one occasion, after Dr. Lathiyal safely conducted one hundred childbirths within a single month, a special thanksgiving service was held in gratitude to God.
Rt. Rev. M. I. Kesari (from 3 February 1997)
During the episcopate of Rt. Rev. M. I. Kesari, who assumed office on 3 February 1997, Rev. S. Kanagadas served as chaplain from 1997 to 1998. From 1 May 1998, Rev. Mrs. Helen Bright was appointed as the chaplain of the Neyyoor Mission Hospital Chapel. During the ministry of Rev. S. Kanagadas, a large-scale evangelistic convention was organized on the hospital campus. Bishop M. I. Kesari conducted confirmation services at the chapel on 14 May 1997, 5 April 1998, and 13 June 1999. Rev. S. Kanagadas was the last minister to serve as chaplain for all the hospitals administered by the Kanyakumari Medical Mission, including the Neyyoor Mission Hospital Chapel.
Rt. Rev. Devakadatcham (from 17 September 2001)
During the episcopate of Rt. Rev. Devakadatcham, who assumed office as Bishop on 17 September 2001, the following ministers served as chaplains of the Neyyoor Mission Hospital Chapel: Rev. Mrs. Helen Bright (until 31 December 2002), Rev. Mrs. Jaya Devaraj (2 January 2003–31 January 2003), Rev. Mrs. Pushpam Rajamani (1 March 2003–7 April 2003), Mrs. Rajalin Jeyam (9 April 2003–31 July 2003), Rev. Masilamani (1 August 2003–30 April 2004), Rev. S. Katt/B. Samuel (1 May 2004–April 2005), Rev. I. Arumai Nayagam (1 June 2006–30 April 2008), Rev. Charlotte Soundararajan (1 May 2008–30 April 2015), Rev. P. Nelson (3 May 2015–26 June 2016), and Rev. Abel Raj (3 July 2016–2020). During the ministry of Rev. Mrs. Helen Bright, a special prayer meeting was conducted every Friday in the ICC Ward. On 30 November 2003, Rev. Masilamani conducted the confirmation service. Rt. Rev. Devakadatcham also conducted confirmation services on 21 June 2001 and 10 October 2010. During the tenure of Rev. I. Arumai Nayagam, the roof of the chapel was renovated. A stone offertory box, a stone altar table, and a stone lectern were installed. It was also during his ministry that the annual Christmas carol procession of the chapel was inaugurated. In addition, a hymn book was published for use in the chapel services. During the ministry of Rev. Abel Raj, a public address system was installed in all the wards of the hospital so that worship services and devotional programmes could be heard throughout the hospital.
Rt. Rev. A. R. Chelliah (from 7 July 2019)
During the episcopate of Rt. Rev. A. R. Chelliah, who assumed office on 7 July 2019, Rev. Abel Raj completed his term of service and continued for a brief extended period. After him, Mr. Jasrin served as chaplain for six months, followed by Rev. Ebenezer Devadason, who served for two months. Thereafter, Rev. A. Jeba Suji was appointed as the chaplain of the Neyyoor Mission Hospital Chapel and has been serving from August 2020 onwards. In December 2020, Rev. A. Jeba Suji composed and set to music the Neyyoor Mission Hospital Chaplaincy Hymn. During his ministry, for the first time, chaplaincy trainees were officially deputed to the Kanyakumari Medical Mission for practical ministerial training. Accordingly, from 15 November 2021 to 30 April 2022, nine trainees — Jos Anand Raj, Abin Meshach, Johns, Jennifer, Jerin, Doreen, Manobha, Selvi, and Shinju Mol — received practical chaplaincy training. They were followed by a second batch of five trainees from 1 August 2022: C. Persin, G. S. Suganth, R. Aaron Robin, A. Abish, and D. Job Dani, who have been undergoing training. On 10 September 2022, Rev. Dr. Aruldas, Chaplain of the Christian Medical College (CMC), conducted a special pastoral counselling and ministry programme for the students of the School of Nursing. On 17 February 2023, in observance of the CMAI Week of Prayer, a continuous prayer service was conducted from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., marking the occasion with special intercessory worship.
Present Activities of the Chapel
Morning Worship
The names of those undergoing surgery that day are read, with special prayers offered for them.
The Lord's Day Worship
Every sunday there will be a service conducted by a chaplin, most patients and staffs will participiate.
Leprosy Mission Trust Prayer Meeting
A daytime prayer meeting conducted through the Leprosy Mission Trust.
School of Nursing Prayer Meeting
Held for the students of the School of Nursing functioning in the hospital.
Bible Study Class
Started by Rev. Abel Raj on 24 February 2019. Paused in 2020–2021 due to COVID-19, and restarted on 13 March 2022.
Special Seasonal Events of the Chapel
Lent and Easter
During the Lenten season, special prayer meetings, Lenten worship services, and the Great Friday three-hour meditation are conducted. Following this, a common meal (kanji) is served. On Maundy Thursday, the Lord's Supper is celebrated, and on Easter Day, worship is conducted with candlelight. On these occasions, prayers are offered by visiting all the individual wards of the hospital, singing songs, and conducting prayer services. Separate meditation meetings are also conducted for the hospital staff and separately for the trainees.
W. H. Somervell Memorial Chapel Day
In the month of December, one day is observed as the W. H. Somervell Memorial Chapel Day. On that day, a special sale and a special auction are conducted, and the offerings received through them are used to purchase the common-use materials needed for the hospital.
Christmas Season
Before the Christmas festival, a hospital choir is formed and trained. A special Christmas carol service and worship service are conducted. In this special worship service, all those who work in the hospital offer their contributions and provide special gifts. All these gifts are distributed as Christmas gifts on the day of the Christmas celebration to the patients who are undergoing treatment in the hospital with suffering and pain. Before the Christmas festival, all the individual wards are decorated with colourful decorations. On the evening before Christmas, a candlelight procession is conducted. The choir goes to all the individual wards, singing Christmas carols and offering prayers. This practice of visiting the wards with Christmas songs and prayers is conducted as a special celebration of the birth of Christ.
During the Christmas season, the Christmas birth festival carol procession is organized in a special manner. The homes of all the hospital staff are visited and blessed with Christmas carols. The W. H. Somervell Memorial Chapel and the hospital campus are decorated with electric lights, and the birth of Christ is celebrated in a special way. With candlelights, a procession is taken to all the individual wards. Christmas birth songs are sung, and prayers are offered in each ward.
Doctors provide treatment!
God is the One who heals!!
Praise be to God!!!