The origins of Royapuram Bethany Gospel Church trace back to 1928, when a Sunday School ministry was started by Mr. W.A. Kimber, a missionary from the United Kingdom. He worked in cooperation with Mr. Handley Bird, who had arrived in India from the UK in 1923. This outreach effort was initially linked to the Corner House Gathering at 17-A Broadway, George Town, Madras. Recognizing the need to serve the Tamil-speaking community, Mr. Kimber dedicated himself to learning Tamil and reaching out to local people.

By 1940, Miss Hildur Enman, a Swedish-born American missionary, actively engaged in children’s and women’s ministry. Christian sisters from the local community assisted her in interpreting messages into Tamil. The work grew steadily, with young believers from Broadway visiting Royapuram on Sunday evenings to conduct gospel meetings.

A significant milestone was reached in 1954, when a public gospel meeting was held in RobinsonPark, Royapuram. Encouraged by missionaries Mr. W.A. Kimber and Mr. Gordon Jack, the believers decided to establish a regular worship service in Royapuram. Although there were initial concerns about forming a new independent assembly, the decision was made to move forward, leading to the formal beginning of the church’s worship gatherings.

The first known members of the assembly included Mr. Andrew, Mrs. Elizabeth Ammal, and Miss LeToille. Mrs. Elizabeth Ammal contributed significantly to the ministry alongside missionary sisters, while Miss LeToille was a dedicated Sunday School teacher, highly respected in the community. Many early believers came from other faith backgrounds, facing opposition from relatives. Persecution primarily took the form of social boycotts, though physical violence was rare. Despite these challenges, converts remained firm in their faith. The community largely consisted of teachers, laborers and middle class families, with a generally low economic status. Some believers were from Tirunelveli, seeking better employment and education for their children.

The church grew through open-air preaching, literature distribution, house visitations, cottage meetings, and ministries in jails and hospitals. Several believers actively participated in these ministries, leading to new additions to the assembly.

A period of spiritual revival occurred during the 1964 Missions Conference, inspiring one member to commit to full-time ministry. The church initially met in rented buildings, but in 1980, through faith and God’s provision, they moved into their own building. In 1988, local believers established a new outreach in Tondiarpet, about 4-5 miles north of Royapuram. Regular Bible studies and prayer meetings were introduced, though attendance remained a challenge.

Like any growing church, Royapuram Bethany Gospel Church faced internal struggles such as backsliding, divisions, and occasional quarrels among members. However, through strong biblical teaching, prayer, and counseling, efforts were made to strengthen the spiritual health of the congregation. Despite these challenges, the church has continued its commitment to evangelism, discipleship, and community service, supporting believers both materially and educationally. The warm fellowship and love among members have played a key role in sustaining the ministry. Today, Royapuram Bethany Gospel Church stands as a testimony of God’s faithfulness, growing from a small Sunday School ministry in 1928 to a thriving assembly deeply rooted in the gospel, dedicated to worship, evangelism, and service.