The history of Vellayamkudy Church is intertwined with the history of migration of farmers to High Ranges. It was after the Second World War that the migration to High Ranges took place. As an after-effect of Second World War there was a severe famine in India. To face this situation the Govt. of India launched a project called “Grow More Food”. To implement the project the government encouraged the people to migrate to the High Ranges from low ranges. Under this project the government allotted land for short term cultivation. Thus many people migrated to Kattappana, Vellayamkudy and its surrounding places from Pala, Meenachil, Kanjirapally and other nearby places.
At that time travelling facility was available only up to Elappara. From there farmers were reaching Vellayamkudy via Upputhara and Ayappankovil by foot. Tribal groups were already inhabiting here. Here lived a tribal group called ‘ Mannan’. Number of tribal families lived together as a group (Kudy) under one leader. The name of their leader of that time was ‘Vellayan’. Since this was the dwelling place of ‘ Vellayan’ it was called ‘Kudy of Vellayan’. As years passed by people called this place Vellayankudy. In course of time the name was transformed and now it is called Vellayamkudy.
It was not an easy task for the people to earn their livelihood. They fought against wild animals, diseases, eviction and many other unfavourable situations. Even then they worked hard and turned the land into a fruitful one. But they were not happy with earning their daily bread alone. There was an inner thirst for a place of worship to satisfy their spiritual need. So they built a shed made of grass roof. On 21 st September 1959 the Vicar of Nedumkandam offered first Holy Mass at Vellayamkudy. Rev. Fr. Joseph Pullan was the first Vicar of Vellayamkudy. Thereafter the growth and progress of Vellayamkudy was interconnected with the growth of St. George’s Church.
Rev. Fr. George Karakunnel was the next vicar. A church was built during his time. In 1967 Rev. Fr. Joseph Kannathukuzhi came as vicar. He had a vision for the future of the next generation. So a school building was constructed at this time. Then from 1969 to 1973 Rev. Fr. Augustine Vattakkuzhi was the vicar of Vellayamkudy. During his time a shrine at Vellayamkudy junction and a station church at Mulakaramedu was built. In 1973 the government recognised the U. P. School which was already functioning here. It was the result of the effort made by Rev. Fr. Joseph Keethapally, who was the vicar then. He had a special interest to construct a High School building. The Government College at Kattappana was running in this building since 1977 for the next three years.Rev. Fr. George Edattel was the next vicar. He was a specialist in agriculture. His care for the church land has to be specialy mentioned.
Rev. Fr. Abraham Perumpanany who took charge in 1984 as the vicar of Vellayamkudy, was one of the main promoters of catechism. He had keen interest in the spiritual progress of the parish. Next nine years from 1989, was the period of Rev. Fr. Mathew Poonatt. It was his eager desire to build a new church. The beautiful church which fulfils the needs of the people today, is the result of his effort and hard work.
From 1998 to 2003 Rev. Fr. Jose Chemmarapally led the parish community. During his time the whole parish was divided into 49 family prayer groups. Msgr. Mathew Thottiyil was the next vicar. He started the construction work of the shopping complex at Vellayamkudy. In 2007 Vellayamkudy is declared as a Forane Church. It was another recognition for the spiritual growth and leadership of the parish. In 2008 V. Rev. Msgr. Mathew Thottiyil was appointed as the V. G. of Idukki Diocese and Rev. Fr. Thomas Malieckal took charge as the next vicar. During his time in 2009 the Golden Jubilee of the parish was celebrated solemnly. 18th July 2011 was a shocking day for the whole parish and nearby places. Rev. Fr. Thomas Malieckal was called for his eternal reward on that day.
Rev. Fr. George Mulanjanany and Rev. Fr. George Punjakunnel were the spiritual leaders of the parish for the next one year.
On 19th May 2012 Rev. Fr. Jose Plachickal was appointed vicar. It was the dawn of a new age. Within a short span of time he could make the parish energetic and vibrant.
Together with all the vicars mentioned above Asst. Vicars also played a vital role in the development of Vellayamkudy. Service of the Rev. Sisters of Franciscan Clarist Congregation who are residing in two convents is commendable. Besides helping in the parish ministry they run a school and a special school for the mentally challenged.
There were only 300 catholic families in 1960. Now the parish is divided into seven different wards and 62 units and the strength of the parish has gone up to 1400 catholic families. Vellayamkudy is the biggest parish in the Eparchy of Idukki.
The growth and development of Vellayamkudy was very fast and it became a part of Kattappana, which is the biggest commercial town in High Ranges.
There were so many people who spent their sweat and life for the development of the area. They had a vision for the future, a goal to be achieved. That is what is being realised in Vellayamkudy now.
