Chapter 13

Chapter 13 Eldership of Berhampur Church; Last journey to Parlakimidi; Lord's ministry in Puri; Last correspondence to Ms. Helen Knott; Last two hymns; Death of the son; Entrance into the abode of Joy. "I have finished the race… there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness" 2 Timothy 4:7-8 Eldership in Orissa Baptist Church, Berhampur In 1877, there were some well-known employees and educated Christians such as Babu Daniel Mohanthy, Laban Mohanthy, Peter Mohanthy, and Rueben Mohanthy. Purushotham was sent to this town nearly 120 miles away from Cuttack to take charge of the Orissa Christian Church. He was 74 years old at that time. A note book is discovered containing the sermons given by Purushotham in Oriya language in his own hand writing. Brief sermons on the following scripture portions were written in it- Matt 10:14; Eph 3:18; Heb 12:1; 1 Cor 6:19-20; Isa 35:3, 4; Rev 1: 17-18; Isa 55:6; 1 Cor 3: 9; John 18:30; 1 Cor 15:49. In the last-mentioned sermon Purushotham used an illustration of Moody. Last visit to Ganjam The Lord answered yet another prayer request of Purushotham. His younger daughter in law, Rathna Ammal Chaudharani, wife of Gopinath Chowdhary, Rathnamayi Beharani, wife of Bhagawan Behera, Mukta Behera, his daughter, have been praying, seeking to enter the kingdom of God. Now they had decided to join the Church openly. In May 1877, Pastor Appala Narasimha Chowdhary wrote from Akulatampara (also known as Parnasagarapuram) inviting Purushotham Chowdhary from Berhampur, and Pastor Antarvedi from Vizianagaram. On 28th June 1876, Rev F. W. Armstrong sent along with his wife as missionary by the Canadian Baptist Mission, received the invitation and reached the picturesque Parnasagarapuram situated on the banks of River Vamsadhara, in the first week of June 1877. On 10th of that month, the three cloistered women came to the river in full view of the people, to receive Baptism in the name

of their Savior, Lord Jesus. Witnessed by Purushotham, other Christians, and Hindus, Rev Antarvedi gave them Baptism and handed them over to Mr. Armstrong and the eight-member Church. Mr. Armstrong wrote in the 1877 Mission report: "The season was the more interesting through the presence of the aged Purushotham, the first preacher who was raised up in the American Baptist Telugu Mission to assist their pioneer Missionary the Rev S. S. Day. He is very aged but still active and deeply interested in everything connected with the spread of the gospel of Christ." Thus, Purushotham for the last time visited Parlakimidi field and returned to Berhampur. Rev Pike's Opinion Rev J. G. Pike, who assisted Pastor Purushotham wrote about the services of Purushotham to Rev I. C. Archibald on 22nd May, 1905 during the building of Purushotham Memorial Church in Parlakimidi: "My memory of Purushotham is simply of a very delightful old man who helped me much in the years 1877 and 1878 when I was comparatively new to the work. I was at Cuttack for three years and was then sent for, to fill a gap at Berhampur and Purushotham was sent as my right-hand man. He was a man of good ability but it was his sterling Christian character that won my admiration and love. He was so genial and kind that everyone loved him. In 1879, I moved off to start with brother Herbert to the Sambalpur Mission and I saw very little of our brother Purushotham. Still I know him for some years as a patient sufferer, glorifying God in his weakness, as he has sought to do in his younger days by his service. I always regarded him as a very superior man and he has doubtless received his Lord's "Well done!" In 1879, after leaving Berhampur he took leadership of Oriya and Andhra Baptist Churches in Cuttack and continued his gospel tours far and wide.

Gospel work in Puri A few facts about Purushotham are known from his letter to his youngest daughter, Martha Burder from Puri on 7th and 14th October, 1881. He stayed in Puri for a month. It was raining cats and dogs the whole time. His shelter was dripping with water. They continued their ministry bravely for the Lord. Seeing the devastating cyclone lashing the city, the fisher folk used to ask him about the end of the world. Day after day, the Telugu people too, who settled in Puri, used to listen to him gladly. He requested the family not to miss the family prayer and asked them to pray for him. He wrote in the letter dated 14th, "I am learning to be content with what He (the Lord) as granted me, hence I have peace of mind. Therefore, I have comfort and safety in my spirit. Dear Child, even though this flesh is now experiencing grief, if I have the peace of the Lord by His grace, I will have no complaint even if all my well-being is turned into sorrow. Those who have the peace of God will realize that whatever the heavenly father gives, it is all for our welfare and not to our detriment. Oh, may God grant such glorious peace to me, to you and to all your household through the Holy Spirit! Let us lay prostrate at the feet of that magnificent Lord and praise him profusely. He expressed these very sentiments in the immortal hymn, "What treasures are more precious than peace of mind!" Sermon points The following list of sermons delivered in Cuttack Church is found: 16th November 1879- "Turn to me and be saved all you ends of the earth; for I am God and there is none else." Heb 45:22 12th June 1880- Heb 13:8 31st December 1880 Sunday- Gen 47:48-49 26th October 1879- John 17:3 2nd November 1879- Rom 8:34 9th January 1881- 1 Peter 4:8 31st December 1881- Psalms 103, including a few other good teachings of the Bible.

29th January 1881- Jer 17:5 6th Feb 1881- Rom 10:9 Also available is the sermon "Lo the Man!" (John 19:6), and sermons on the Second Coming. The following sermons are written in his own hand writing13th April 1851- 1 Tim 1:15 25th February 1863 Wednesday- Matt 22:4, delivered in Chittivalasa. During his sermons, he used to sing in a mellifluous voice brimming with Christian experience. Listening to these sermons, on Sunday the 12th September 1880, Narasamma and Seetaiah; Guraiah and his wife Peramma, and Simon- these six individuals took baptism by Purushotham. The same year on 7th November, five Oriya people got baptized. By 1880, Purushotham started experiencing weakness of body. His eye-sight was fading. Those days, he was using a magnifier to identify alphabets and read slowly. When it is needed to preach on Sunday, people used to carry him in a cart. A brother named James Chinnaiah or someone else would lead him by hand and make him stand at the pulpit. There Purushotham would deliver the message. The Cuttack Baptist Church was very spacious. In those days, there were 2000 members in the congregation. And Purushotham would speak up in a melodious tone with a delicately sonorous style. Many old timers of his time testified to this. James Chinnaiah used to write the hymns and poems dictated by Purushotham. Purushotham on hearing that Rev Pulipaka Jagannatham met Ms. Helen Knott who led him to Christ, wrote on 4th March 1880, a letter to Jagannatham, and asked for the address of Ms. Knott. On receiving it, in his 77th year, on 4th March 1880, Purushotham Chowdhary wrote a letter to Helen Knott. We include some portions here:

Cuttack 1880, March 4th Respected Ms. Knott My honored mother, I praised God joyfully on knowing that you are still alive. Two weeks ago, Pastor Jagannatham wrote a letter to me from Vishakhapatnam. He told me that he and Rev Hay saw you in Bangalore, and you asked after me, and told them to inform me that you are still alive. Oh, dear mother, you are still alive! A long time ago someone spread the news that you died. I was very sad. Even though my eyes did not see any letter written by you, this letter of mine is reaching your presence! When you see this letter, you can also rejoice that I, your son whom you labored to bring to Christ, am also alive. Oh, all the persecutions you endured for my sake in Balagameda in Srikakulam, your prayers for me, your pains to establish me in faith, and the efforts you made, favors shown, are still before my eyes. In those days, sending me to Major Brett you gave me a sturdy leather bag with letters. It is still with me. I kept it safe. Every time I see it I think of you. I show it to my children and tell them about you. Now by the grace of my Father, I am working as usual. I am also advanced in years. Nevertheless, God has granted me some strength. So, I continue in His ministry. Kind mother, how are you in Bangalore? Where is your daughter and her children? I would love to hear these things, hence kindly arrange for these things to be written to me. I urge you to remember me in your prayers. I will await a small letter with your blessings. I, your humble servant, Purushotham Chowdhary

To this letter, Helen Knott, then 90 years old, spiritual mother of Purushotham, sent a reply. A few excerpts from this letter: 3, Rose Lane, April 1880, Richmond Town Bangalore My good friend Purushotham garu, I received your kind Christian letter from Cuttack in good time. I felt very happy. Especially I thank you for expressing your Christian love towards me, so undeserving. I understood your letter to some extent, but I had to wait for some time for a translator. At this time, I will not write a big letter, but I will tell you something about my family. Col Richardson is no more. His wife, my daughter is in England. All my sons died. I would like to see you, but Cuttack is far away. God has prolonged my life for a good purpose. When I look back I feel sad how I have dealt with such a sweet Lord, but for this, there is no other complaint. My good Christian friend, what else remains for us except reaching into the hands of our dear Lord. He will not abandon us in the end stage of our life. I trust you will pray that there will be no darkness between my soul and my Savior, everything would be crystal clear. Convey my love to Shanti. Will you give me some news about my old friends in Srikakulam? How did Ms. Kalpappi die? After losing contact with you, I have been to England twice. Forgive me for being in a hurry, because unless I write now, I may never be able to write at all. Pray that I may lean on Jesus and die in peace. With immense Christian love. Your friend, Helen Knott1 Devoted ladies like Ms. Knott who led Purushotham to Christ, are needed in the present-day India. We made many efforts to trace her relatives. In 1882, Purushotham became very weak due to old age. His eye sight became very feeble. He always maintained the cleanliness found in all poets. He used to feel with his hands whether his bed is straight or not.

In December 1882, in the middle of the night, our old poet called out to his younger daughter Martha Burder in a very frail voice, saying, "Child, bring a sheet of paper and a pencil. I will dictate a hymn." She replied "Bappa2, say on. I will write." Thereupon the daughter wrote the hymn as her father dictated interspersed with long intervals in broken narrative. She told others that she finished writing by 1 O' clock in the night. This is none other than the lovely and popular hymn approved by Christians of all ages. With a fragile voice, the ailing father after saying, "Members of my body, your work is done, time to leave me," he told his daughter, "Child, wait, I will think a while."After sometime he said, "Child, write, Like a stunned young hart…" and he finished the thematic line. Old age hymn of the man of God Members of my body, your work is done, time to leave me- Like a stunned young hart, alas, I was captured- get away now, my Savior Jesus came to save me. 1. My five senses, you lost your strength, deceive me no more, no longer fight with me, consider- it is no easy task for you to move me from the grace of God. 2. O organ of hearing, your power kept declining. You heard many news, now became deaf. Vitality lost, go away, I will hear Christ in reverence, that's my comfort. 3. Eye pair, your light faded, you cannot see as before anymore. Glorious Lord is opening my eyes to show me his throne of grace, See, the time has come. 4. Organ of taste, your period of faintness has come, tirelessly you scattered words. Your sharpness blunted, you are done O tongue, I will spend my time drinking the nectar of Jesus' mercy. 5. Skin that covered my whole body, you sensed everything that came in touch with you. Your glowing close-fit loosened, pouches hang. Go away, I will be clothed by Jesus' likeness!

6. Organ of smell, you rejoiced with myriad odors and breath of life. The best is past and all stench assail you, I go to my savior Christ, I will give up life for him and find comfort. 7. I walked a long way, path grows increasingly hard. Gone are the impediments that hindered me, my boatman waits at the river of death. 8. Path ahead is more horrifying than the course I finished. River of death flows with the deafening roar of its waves, In the wink of an eye, I reach the other side. 9. What joy is there in this world, vain hope it is, nothing permanent. Jesus Christ, God the Father, radiant Holy Spirit-in grace, shall provide eternal home to their slave Purushotham. Correspondence regarding the Hymns This hymn was printed in Hitavadi magazine during 1883. A brother named James Chinnaiah copied it and sent for publishing. Despite Purushotham's preparedness, God extended his life journey. At the time of printing of the Andhra Christian Hymnal by American Baptist Mission Purushotham wrote a letter dated 6th July 1876, to Rev E. Bullard in Nellore. He informed him about the hymns he wrote. In 1888, Rev W. W. Stevens wrote asking for information about the hymns written by Purushotham. In reply, Purushotham himself sent him a list of nearly 80 hymns with a request not to alter any of them. On the occasion, Mr. Stevenson, writing a foreword to the book published by Christian Literature Society (CLS), said, "Mr. Purushotham will long be a household name among Telugu speaking Christians." Later, the family felt sorry on seeing some of the hymns were printed with a few alterations, after the poet's death. During this old age, a grandson of Purushotham committed an error in the government office. Purushotham exhorted him that he should confess his mistake even though he took the punishment. He was never found lacking in hospitality. At times, he used to send money for God's work. On

Tuesday the 20th December 1881, it is recorded in his list that an amount of 15 rupees was sent to Mr. Bowden of Narsapur. It can be known that Purushotham had regular correspondence with various people. For example, Rev J. W. Gordon wrote from Coonoor on 24th April 1872. There was also a letter written from Madras dated 18th August 1887. A letter by Rev. A. V. Timpani dated 19th June 1883, letter from Rev I. C. Archibald dated 24th December 1888, letters written by Rev P. Jagannatham, some foreign missionaries, Rev D. Antarvedi, and others vouch for this fact. Reprint of the Tracts The Canadian Baptist Missionary Conference on 15th January 1884, decided to reprint "Mukti Marga Pradarshanam" (Path to heaven Revealed), and "Kulachara Pariksha" (Test of the Caste Tradition). They asked Purushotham for permission through Rev J. R. Hutchinson, and he slightly modified it and permitted for reprint. In the first week of September 1988, the eldest son in law of Purushotham Babu Ghonoshyam Naik died.They told Purushotham in the morning fearing that Purushotham, if told that very night this distressing news, may be crushed in sorrow due to old age. He went from Cuttack Sutahat to Petiny street and found his daughter sitting beside the dead body weeping, he said, "Foolish child, instead of rejoicing that God took your husband to the blissful peace, why are you crying? No, rejoice that Ghonoshyam Babu reached the abode of God. This was told by her grandson Babu Mahendra Naik. The second son of Purushotham, Babu Samuel Chowdhary, working as an employee of the government hospital died on October 23, 1889. At that time Purushotham did not shed one tear. When Ms. Dessa of Ongole went to console him, he told this illustration to her. Two men went to bathe in the sea. One stood straight against the waves. He fell back. The other bended under the waves and the waves passed over him. Therefore, against the waves of joyous and sorrowful circumstances, one should bow down. The lady was amazed on hearing this illustration.

During this ripe old age, those Christian people who were benefitted by his hymns and tracts, sent a cash gift to Purushotham. He was regularly telling his children about the visions of God he was seeing. He was in the habit of knowing the mysteries of heaven through these visions. On this occasion a providential thing happened which is instrumental in our getting to know this history. Around 1888, Rev Edward P. Rice who served as a London Mission missionary in Bangalore, heard the contents of the poems in "The Light of Christian Righteousness" through the Bellary Christians. He thought of compiling the biography of the poet and wrote to Cuttack. When his daughter Martha Burder insisted, Purushotham narrated all that he could recall, and it was taken down by James Chinnaiah. It was sent to Rev Rice. Had this not happened, it would not have been possible to report many details with exact dates. This is a priceless thing done by Purushotham Chowdhary. Rev Rice once wrote to this author about this: Ripe old age, failing eye sight… it is not difficult to imagine what it is like for a child of God to have contact with Christ under these conditions. Looking at the "Song of Life" written by the English Poet Longfellow and the song of Purushotham given below, may the readers see the parallelism between the two, in strength of thought, sweetness of soul, and hope for future. This hymn was written under similar conditions as "Members of my body, your work is done…" that is, as the poet was narrating extempore, his daughter wrote it down. Final Song of the Soul's Journey I have set out to the presence of your feet, Jesus Christ be with me, thine humble servant, lead me in your grace. Lo I see death coming at me with a lion's roar, dispel my fear. 1. As I go my way, many troubles accost me, hinder my path. O merciful one, be with me to break the thorn of death, push aside disasters, I come under your care, who else is my refuge? 2. God, with your right hand protect the humble ones. It is time to keep your promise, your word is the basis of my life. You are my God, mother, father, benefactor my all in all. I trusted in you, lead my journey to conclusion.

3. Enjoying in your devotion, my heart rejoicing, many doubts beset me, hurry to lead me in my path, walk ahead of me, as the bright sun disperse the deep dark. 4. Time is up, the appalling death comes like the dark cloud,rattling the staff of time. As I stand in the presence of death, grant me in my troubled state, your embrace of mercy. 5. Meditating on your glorious appearance, comfort of the pure heart, nectar of my Lord's love, give to this slave always. Take away my weariness, take me to your abode with firm foundations; that has no beginning nor end. 6. The mirage of earthly luxuries will soon pass, grant me your endless bliss, keep me your servant Purushotham where you are. This hymn was published in September 1884 in Hitavadi magazine. This is the soul travel song told by Purushotham. From this time, Purushotham Chowdhary was looking forward to reaching the eternal heaven as if a day is a year. Like Paul, he felt that "I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous judge will give to me on that day, not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing." (2 Tim 4: 7-8) Did I not get the sacred blood that washes away its sins? Did I not feel in my heart your grace and mercy for this life? Did I not gain strength to fall at your feet with devotion? Did I not attain everlasting heaps of joy, Jesus my master? As Purushotham Chowdhary awaited every moment with peaceful morning joy and a heart blossomed in bliss, finally on 23rd August 1890 midnight at an age of 87 years he ended his earthly sojourn and closed his eyes here to open them in the world resplendent with holy glory. Angels with shouts of triumphant delight walking him in the streets of the dazzling city of light; and we can well imagine, singing the hymn written by Purushotham Chowdhary:

Description of the heavenly city Lo, the city resounding with shouts Holy, Holy, Holy; Come, all my dear ones. God reigns there, eternal, glowing, sturdy and beautiful it is. 1. No need for the sun, the moon that makes the lotus bloom, or a plethora of lamps. Christ lives there in eternal radiance, praiseworthy, glorious and celebrated. 2. Shortage, any kind of calamity, or deceit hardly exist there. The prince presides over providing living water gently to its inhabitants. 3. Flowing from the throne of the King, the auspicious river gives luxury. Trees on either side provides propitious fruits resplendent in look and taste. 4. No birth or death, earthly joys or sorrows exist in the city. Our God lives there wiping away tears for whom he suffered to make them righteousness. 5. Priceless, immovable great crown of life is bestowed in that city. God grants the desires of his children whom he invites to the wedding feast of their master. AndYou fulfilled the tasks entrusted You have overcome the enemy in the warfare Come, own incomparable blessed state Unlimited distinction and ecstasy in the divine city When the heavenly hosts bring Purushotham to the presence of the King of Heaven Jesus Christ, the Lord says, "Well done faithful servant!" and admits him into his eternal rest. Thus, Purushotham Chowdhary went away to heaven at the age of 87. His mortal remains were laid to rest in the grave yard in Cuttack attended by about 2000. Rev Sam Sahu Babu performed the burial in Oriya language.

Missionaries witness On the occasion, Cuttack missionaries Rev William Miller, and Rev T. Bailey wrote the following in the 1890 Orissa Baptist Mission report: "Rev William writes: I had much Christian intercourse with Bro. Purushotham in his declining years and last illness; his end was eminently peaceful. Three times I was summoned when it was supposed he was dying. But he revived for a while. On my last visit, he remarked prayerfully, "I sometimes think the Lord has forgotten me.; He seems so long in coming." His death was like that of the righteous, and his memory is fragrant and precious to all who knew him. " Rev T. Baily writes, "In the death of Purushotham Chowdhary, a notable member of the native Christian community has passed away… There is a small Telugu congregation in Cuttack to which our brother ministered with great acceptance as long as health permitted, but he was known to us principally for his labors in Oriya, and in this language also he was a persuasive preacher, though the sweetness and pathos of his prayers are more specially dwelt upon by those who were accustomed to hear him…" Our brother was light in complexion with fine features and figure, peaceful in disposition and very courteous in manners, one of nature's true gentleman." 1. Ms. Helen Knott died on 13th August 1892 in Bangalore, aged 102 years. 2. 'Bappa' means Daddy in Oriya