St. Jame's Church, Nallur

Missionary work started under Rev. Joseph Knight in 1817. Obtaining permission from the CMS he laid the new Church foundation, which was completed and consecrated in 1828.

Rev. Joseph Knight(1818-1840) having being assigned by the Society to work in Jaffna, took up residence in Nallur in November 1818. By 1820 the Rev. J. Knight was fluent enough to conduct services in Tamil. He bought a mission house in Nallur for regular services. In 1823 a very dilapidated Old Dutch Church adjoining the Mission House was handed over to the Mission by the Government. Extensive repairs necessitated the Church being practically rebuilt. Part of the old building at the rear was partitioned off as a mission house and the rebuilding was completed in 1828. It was opened for public worship on 25 July 1828 on St. James Day. The Church was consecrated by Bishop Chapman in 1847. In 1849, a 60 ft tower was added.