M. K. Varghese

*M. K. Varghese*

M. K. Varghese (November 1893 – 20 October 1971) was a pastor in the Church of God, Full Gospel India, and hymn writer from Kerala. He was among the early pioneers of Pentecostal churches in Central Travancore during the mid-20th century.

*Early life*

Varghese, full name, Manammootil Kariah Varughese, was born in November 1893 at Edayaranmula in the region formerly known as Travancore State in present-day Kerala. He came from a Mar Thoma Syrian Christian family. His father, Kariah Varughese, was a merchant who also worked as an evangelist. After his primary schooling, Varghese took up bookbinding and worked in that trade for several years.

*Conversion and ministry*

He experienced a born-again conversion after attending Bible study classes led by the poet K. V. Simon (Maha Kavi Simon Sir). Simon,who was a distant cousin of Varghese,had a very significant influence on his spiritual journey during the initial years.Along with his wife Annamma, he later joined Simon’s reformist group (Viyojithar) and took water baptism under K. V. Simon at Sathra Kadavu,in the Pampa River, Aranmula.

When Robert F Cook conducted his first Convention on the river banks of Parapuzha(Parapuzha Manapuram) in Arattupuzha,M. K. Varughese received baptism in the Holy Spirit and embraced pentecostal faith.

Varghese trained at the Bible College in Mulakuzha, which was started by the missionary Robert F. Cook, and began full-time ministry in 1930. That same year, he founded a church at Kallissery near Chengannur. As an ordained pastor of the Church of God,
he went on to pastor churches across Central Travancore.

In 1949, Varghese sold his family property at Erumakkad near Edayaranmula and shifted to Keekozhoor, where he established a new church in 1953. He is widely credited with helping in the spread of Pentecostalism in Central Travancore.

*Personal life*

He married Annamma, who took an active part in his ministry. Annamma hailed from the Naduvilamuriyil family in Vayalathala. They had nine children: three sons and six daughters. The family faced financial and social hardships, especially in the early years of his ministry.

*Hymns*

Varghese wrote several Malayalam hymns that are still sung in most Malayalee Christian churches around the world today. Among the best known are Kunjattin Thiru Rakthathal, Sarvaloka Shristithave, Karthavu Than Gambira Nathathodum, Jayam Jayam Hallelujah, Seeyone Nee Unarnezhunelkuka , Ee Rathrikalam Ennu Theerum and Swathanthriathin Kaahaladhwani.

*Death*

He died on 20 October 1971 in Kerala, aged 78.