St. Paul's Church, Morakottanchenai

Approximately a century ago, a batch of people from Navatkudah and Batticaloa arrived at this village with a desire to earn their livelihood which, eventually led to intermarriages among the youth of marriageable age who took up permanent settlements at Morakottanchenai following their marriage.

Messrs Peduru Lazzer, Kanapathipillai, Timothey, Moothathamby Kamalawathy, who are still considered important, being the first batch to visit this village and eventually a new generation emerged through their intermarriage. They used to visit their churches where they were baptized on important occasions and that prompted Rev. Daniel who served at Batticaloa at that time to visit these believers thrice a year in order to meet and encourage these new comers to church.

The following were kind enough to devote their time and be a source of encouragement towards the progress of these new comers on their godly path.

Rev. Ramanathan, Bro. Arumainayagam, Rev. Gnanadass, Bro. Manikakrajah, Rev. Muthuvel.

A special mention must be made that David Arumainayagam was kind enough to offer an honorary service subsequent to his father Bro. Arumainayagam’s demise.

When a need for a church was generally felt by all concerned during Rev. Gnanadass period, it was a devout Hindu namely Mr. Kandasamy former village leader who came forward to donate a plot of land to put up a church.

It was Rt. Rev. Cyril Abeynaike who laid the foundation stone in the year 1974.

The cadjan thatched church was consecrated by Rt. Rev. Swithin Fernando during the period of Rev. Bala Arulpragasam and during the period of Rev. John Isaiah this church was rebuilt with bricks and was re-consecrated by Rt. Rev. J.J. Gnanapragasam in the year 1989.

During the period of Rev. Chandran Crispus this church celebrated its silver jubilee on 10 August 1999, having Rt. Rev. Kenneth Fernando as chief guest on this memorable occasion who paved the way for a comfortable structure for worship and laid the foundation stone on the very same day as the silver jubilee celebration. The present church was consecrated by Rt. Rev. Duleep De Chickera on 15 June 2002.