Church names new reverend

Thevanesan

Christ United Methodist Church, at Harlem and Saratoga roads in Snyder, has welcomed a new pastor. The Rev. Sinnathamby Thevanesan, and his wife Malar, joined the community from the Brockport United Methodist Church.

Rev. Thevanesan, a native of Sri Lanka, was raised in a Christian home with a father who was a local pastor. He attended United Theological College in Bangalore, India, receiving a Bachelor of Divinity degree. He first came to the United States in 1980 to study at Colgate Rochester Divinity School, graduating with a Master of Arts degree. He then returned to Sri Lanka.

These years found Sri Lanka in a time of turmoil and civil strife. Rev. Thevanesan and his family left a situation of unsafe conditions to migrate to the United States in 1985. He became a member of the WNY Conference of the United Methodist Church at that time and has served local communities since.

In Brockport, Rev. Thevanesan was vice president of the Kiwanis Club, and spearheaded the annual September Fest, a time for fellowship for townspeople and students.

In 2004 Sri Lanka was devastated by the December tsunami, which left thousands dead and homeless. Rev. Thevanesan was sent to the stricken area by his congregation, and returned from the visit with images of destruction and tragedy. He organized nonsectarian relief efforts among the college students and the community for his homeland.