THE ORIGIN
Rev. Arthur Stephen Paynter: A Testament of Divine Calling and Sacred Transformation
Born on July 8, 1862, in the gentle town of Bicester, Rev. Arthur Stephen Paynter was nurtured within a distinguished family a branch of the illustrious Cornwall lineage, revered for their stewardship of historic breweries in Oxfordshire. Yet, from his earliest days, Arthur sensed that his destiny transcended the material world.
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At the tender age of eighteen, a profound and divine encounter ignited within him a sacred calling. Embraced by the boundless love and grace of the Lord, he felt compelled to leave behind the familiar comforts of the family business and embark on a journey of spiritual transformation. This awakening became the cornerstone of a life devoted to service, prayer, and the pursuit of divine truth.
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In 1882, Rev. Paynter answered this heavenly call by joining The Salvation Army a luminous community committed to spreading hope, compassion, and the love of God. During his ministry, he developed an intimate bond with the founder, Commissioner William Booth, whose visionary leadership and unwavering faith further inspired Arthur’s own commitment to a life of spiritual service.
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Rev. Arthur Stephen Paynter’s legacy is one of radiant faith and selfless dedication. His life stands as a living testimony to the transformative power of divine grace a beacon that continues to inspire and uplift all who seek to walk the path of spiritual enlightenment and service to others.
ICRM
The Divine Mission of Rev. Arthur Stephen Paynter
On November 1, 1897, Rev. Arthur Stephen Paynter and Rev. Henry Martin Greet, devoted priests from the Church of England in Bicester, Oxfordshire, answered the Lord’s call and set foot in India. With hearts aflame for Christ, they established an Anglican Mission dedicated to church planting and social transformation in the Kumaon region of North India. Their mission headquarters was set up at Sanyodire, via Almora, where they began their sacred labor for the glory of God.
The Birth of India Christian Realm Mission
God’s hand was evident in their journey as He raised up faithful supporters. Among them was Late Mr. Kali Charan Benarji, the esteemed President of the National Congress Party of India, who graciously welcomed the priests and stood alongside them in establishing the India Christian Realm Mission (ICM) in the Almora District of what was then Uttar Pradesh. Under divine guidance, the mission’s influence spread, reaching Punjab and Nainital, touching countless souls with the love of Christ.
Expanding the Mission Through God’s Grace
Guided by the Holy Spirit, ICM expanded its outreach, partnering with the Ramabai Mukti Mission in Maharashtra, ministering to the destitute and the brokenhearted. Their work extended to West Bengal, especially Calcutta and the Darjeeling hills, where they established Homes for the Homeless, providing refuge and hope to the needy.
A Divine Invitation to Chennai
In His divine providence, God moved the heart of the Governor of Madras Province, who invited Rev. Paynter to establish a Mission Center in Chennai. The Governor provided support, allowing the mission’s light to shine in South India, touching even more lives with the Gospel.
A Tireless Servant of Christ
With unwavering faith, Rev. Paynter journeyed across nations, preaching the Word, sharing the power of worship, and calling many to the mission of evangelization in India. His missionary endeavors were divinely favored, as the British-Indo Government and figures like Lord Connemara of the Madras Presidency extended their assistance, enabling him to establish mission centers across the land. Throughout his journey, he maintained strong fellowship with the Methodist Church and the YMCA, strengthening the bonds of faith and service.
1902 – A Cry from Eluru
In 1902, God opened yet another door when Rev. Paynter received an earnest plea from Md. Aziz, a Christian convert from Eluru, Andhra Pradesh. The letter, bearing numerous signatures and thumbprints, was a heartfelt appeal for him to bring the light of Christ to their land. Moved by the Spirit, he accepted this divine commission.
28th September 1903 – A Glorious Welcome in Eluru
On September 28, 1903, Rev. Paynter arrived in Eluru, where he was met with a joyous and heartfelt reception. The Zamindar of Eluru, Mothey Bhujanga Rao, in a grand gesture of honor, welcomed him on elephants at the railway station. The outpouring of love and gratitude from the people—both locals and English supporters like Bro. Wright and Bro. Beadon assisted Rev. Paynter in his sacred mission.