D. B. T. David

Devanbu Balajob Thangaraj David, better known as D. B. T. David (6 November 1936 – 21 September 2001) was an Indian Lutheran pastor of the Arcot Lutheran Church (ALC), based in Tamil Nadu,[1][2][3] and served as an exchange scholar of the Lutheran World Federation. David engaged in social ministry among the Vaghri or Narikurava, a traditionally nomadic community in the northern districts of Tamil Nadu during the late twentieth century.

Early life and Education

David was born in Tiruvannamalai district, Tamil Nadu, to Rev. Devanbu David and Rathnam David. He received a B.A. from Madras Christian College (1956–1958) and a Bachelor of Divinity from Gurukul Lutheran Theological College, Chennai (1958–1962).[4]

Ministry and Service

David was ordained in 1963 in the Arcot Lutheran Church. Over nearly four decades, he served congregations in Chennai (Broadway)[5], Tiruvannamalai, Neyveli, Mandarakuppam, Chengam, and Tirukoilur.[6][7]

From September 1970 to March 1971, he participated in the exchange program of the Lutheran World Federation, serving as a pastoral intern for urban industrial mission at Peace Lutheran Church in Philadelphia, United States.[8][9]

He represented the Danish Missionary Society on the College Council of the United Theological College, Bengaluru (1974–1975).[10] From 1982 to 1985, he was Lecturer in Christian Ministry and convener of Ministry to Prisoners at the Tamil Nadu Theological Seminary, Madurai.[11]

Social Ministry among the Narikurava

From 1976 until his death in 2001, David engaged in social ministry among the Vaghri (Narikurava) community in Tiruvannamalai and nearby districts of Tamil Nadu. Between 1977 and 1982, with local support, he helped establish a settlement known as Canaan Nagar[12] on the outskirts of Tiruvannamalai, where nearly one hundred houses were built. The settlement was later regularized by local authorities. David also facilitated access to small business loans for traditional occupations such as bead-making and jute mat weaving, and encouraged the education of Narikurava children in local schools.

Ecumenical Engagement

He was invited to speak at church conferences and at Jesus Calls ministry training program, led by Evangelist D. G. S. Dhinakaran.[13] He also presented papers on interfaith and social themes to theological and special-interest groups.[14] He also contributed articles to Tamil Christian periodicals and delivered sermons on special occasions through broadcasts on All India Radio, Chennai, and FEBA Radio. David participated in ecumenical initiatives and served as Vice-President of Christian Endeavor in North Tamil Nadu.

Personal Life and Legacy

In 1963, David married Grace Sarojini from Bengaluru, who later served as a schoolteacher. The couple had three children.[15] He died of a heart attack on 21 September 2001. David is considered as a valued pastor of the Arcot Lutheran Church[16] and is warmly remembered by the Vaghri (Narikurava) community for his social ministry.[17][18]

References

  1. ^ "Priestly procession at the inauguration of the Centenary Church in Neyveli (Mandarakuppam), 22.12.1971. In the front ALC president Dorairaj Peter and a Syrian priest. Also seen are, among others, Neyveli's two priests, D. B. T. David and J. Paramanandam, and pastor I. Christodass, formerly of Neyveli".
  2. ^ "South India, 1998. Pastor Karen Berntsen visiting Broadway Church together with Pastor D.B.T. David".
  3. ^ "Chennai/Madras, Tamil Nadu, South India,1998. Rev. Karen Berntsen visiting Broadway Church with". Calisphere.
  4. ^ Biographical booklet titled, "Rev. DBT David - Pastor Par Excellence," Family publication, printed by Printmedia, Chennai, Nov 2001.
  5. ^ "Rev. D.B.T. David, Pastor at Arcot Lutheran Church, Broadway, Chennai being cited conducting a baptism".
  6. ^ Arcot Lutheran Church Souvenirs and Danmission archives
  7. ^ Centenary souvenir (1914–2014) of Arcot Lutheran Church, Tiruvannamalai, p76
  8. ^ Ref 4 above:Biographical booklet titled, "Rev. DBT David - Pastor Par Excellence," Nov 2021 (Family publication, printed by Printmedia, Chennai)
  9. ^ Peace Lutheran Church, 1924 East Clearfield Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19134, defunct since 1993. https://www.churchangel.com/directory/listing/peace-lutheran-church-198,
  10. ^ https://api.deutsche-digitale-bibliothek.de/binary/dc3f2437-14b2-4acd-ab02-7b9d7d04d889.pdf, Annual Report of the United Theological College, Bangalore, 1973-74, p7, Archives of Deutsche Digitale Bibliothek, 26.8.75, accessed 13 Mar 2026.
  11. ^ Biographical booklet titled, "Rev. DBT David - Pastor Par Excellence," (Family publication, printed by Printmedia, Chennai, Nov 2021)
  12. ^ "MMS-KANANAGAR - Tiruvannamalai Municipal District Tiruvannamalai (Tamil Nadu)". schools.org.in.
  13. ^ Report of the training in "Jesus Calls" magazine, Chennai, July 1993.
  14. ^ Part of Rev. DBT David's nearly four decade of pastoral ministry.
  15. ^ Biographical booklet titled, "Rev. DBT David - Pastor Par Excellence," Nov 2021 (Family publication, printed by Printmedia, Chennai)
  16. ^ "Tribute to Rev. DBT David on his 20th death anniversary by Bishop Samuel V Kennady, of Arcot Lutheran Church on Meipanin Kural (மேய்ப்பனின் குரல்) page of Facebook, 23 Sept 2021".
  17. ^ "Gypsy Pastor Paul Thangaraj shares about the influence of Rev. DBT David as his mentor; மேகம்போன்ற சாட்சிகள் | Episode 24 (Pastor Paul Thangaraj part 1)". December 25, 2022 – via YouTube.
  18. ^ Note: Photos posted on this page are old (c1970s-90s), and have no copyright issues or controversial claims (about any place, person, identity, event, time or ideology).
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