A Journey of Faith, Growth, and God’s Wonders- The history of The Salvation Army Tamil Corps, Sion, marked by 90 years of Tamil Salvationist mission in Maharashtra and 50 years at The Salvation Army Women and Children Home, Sion campus, is profound and immeasurable. The Lord’s blessings upon this Corps cannot be expressed in mere words.
Dharavi in Mumbai, often known as a slum, became a place of resilience and hope for Tamil Salvationists who migrated from the southern districts of Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari. Their perseverance laid the foundation for the formation and growth of the Tamil Corps. The Salvation Army Soldiers Fellowship, founded by Mr. Joseph George of Tirunelveli, played a key role in nurturing this early mission. Three dedicated pioneers, Late Mr. Sam Yeasuvadian, Late Mr. Maniankuzhi Mani, and Late Mr. Joseph George, were inspired by the Spirit of God to plant the seed of Tamil Salvationist worship in Maharashtra. A small group of devoted Salvationists began meeting regularly for Sunday services at Rajabali Chawl in Dharavi, giving birth to a blessed Tamil Corps
As the number of Salvationists increased, the small room in Dharavi could no longer accommodate the growing congregation. Despite not having an appointed Corps Officer, the budding Corps grew like a banyan tree, providing shelter, comfort, and spiritual nourishment. Late Mr. D. Vethamuthu, a Municipal School Inspector, along with Late Mr. J. Samuel, played a crucial role in leading and organizing meetings. As membership continued to rise, they approached the India Western Territory for support. The Territorial leadership permitted the Tamil Salvationists to conduct services at The Salvation Army Marathi Corps Hall, Matunga Labour Camp. For nearly forty years, the Corps functioned without a full-time officer or a spacious hall. The commercial hub of Mumbai continued attracting more Tamil migrants, and the need for organized leadership grew. Envoy D. Vethamuthu (Late) was later appointed as the first official who conducted all meetings. Sunday attendance, which was around 25 in 1960, grew beyond 100 by 1973. Meetings were conducted faithfully by the Envoy until June 1975, except during 1973–74 when Late Mr. R. Bhaktidhas served as Secretary and conducted the services.
The need for a full-time officer and a dedicated space for worship was presented to Colonel David Durman, Territorial Commander of the India Western Territory (1974–1975). Deeply moved by the genuine need of the Tamil Soldiers, he ensured the appointment of trained officers. By God’s grace, Majors V. S. Daniel (Late) and Jabamony Daniel (Rtd.) from Nagercoil, India South East Territory, were appointed on 29 June 1975 as the first Corps Officers. Their ministry brought unity, structure, and a new spiritual vigor to the Corps, helping it become one of the most established Corps in the territory.
Rapid growth in attendance created the urgent need for a larger hall. Colonel David Durman presented this request to General Clarence Wiseman, who visited India in December 1975. Through divine favor, the General approved the construction of a new Prayer Hall and Officers' Quarters above The Salvation Army Women’s & Children’s Home at Sion. The new prayer hall was joyously dedicated on 19 December 1976 by Lt. Col. Manickiavasakar, along with Financial Secretary Lt. Col. Spakin. Tamil Soldiers contributed generously, providing furniture, electrical fittings, mercy seat, musical instruments, and more. By 1988, the Corps became fully self-supporting and actively engaged in fasting prayers, all-night prayers, Home League, youth meetings, and territorial events. Faithful officers tirelessly visited Tamil Salvationists across Mumbai, uniting them under one spiritual umbrella. The Corps further extended educational, medical, and economic support to the needy, carrying forward the vision of General William Booth.
Captain Samsingh expanded the ministry by gathering people across Ghatkopar, Vikhroli, Bhandup, Thane, Mulund, and Dombivli, leading to the establishment of the Bhandup Tamil Corps. Later, Captain Y. Ponnappan and Late Mrs. Pushpam Ponnappan, who served one of the longest tenures, continued strengthening the mission. Due to rising membership, they appealed to the Territorial Commander for an expanded worship facility. Their efforts were continued by Captain John F. Kennady, under whose leadership the decision was made to establish two new Tamil Corps- Mira Road (Western Region) and Dombivli (Central Region). These were dedicated by Commissioner Mohan Masih, Territorial Commander. The long-awaited extension work for the Sion Corps began after persistent follow-ups by Captains Ponnappan and Kennady. On seeing the overflowing attendance during his visit on 24 May 2005, Commissioner Lalkiam Lova assured support for the extension. The dream became reality during the tenure of Captain K. Jayaprakash Chelliah, with work commencing in November 2006. Local members also raised additional funds to beautify and upgrade the church facility.
The Sion Corps has always been a place of refuge for newcomers seeking livelihood opportunities. The Corps conducts: • Career counselling sessions • Youth retreats • Medical camps • Assistance for individuals requiring medical support During Captain Stephen Raj’s tenure, youth activities and medical outreach continued strongly. Under Captain P. Shaji, an upper floor was constructed for Sunday School and other ministry activities, marking another phase of expansion.
Today, under the leadership of Captains Jeberson Paul Solomon and C. Muthuselvi, supported by the Mission and Business Local Officers, Corps Council, Audit Committee, SAY Group, SAY Band, and Media Team, the Corps has embraced modern technology to expand its ministry. Upgraded audio-visual systems and live streaming across social media platforms now enable Salvationists worldwide to participate in worship services seamlessly. This advancement has significantly enriched the worship experience and strengthened global connectedness.
Sunday Holiness Meeting — 10:15 AM at Sion East.
