A Tribute to Calvin Chelliah

The Council of Churches is sad to learn of the passing away of Rev. Calvin Chelliah on 19th June, 2007 at the age of 54. His death was caused by pulmonary embolism.

The late Calvin Chelliah was ordained into the Ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Malaysia & Singapore in 1987. His area of expertise in the ministry was in Liturgy and Music.

From August 1985 to January 1988 he served in the CCM as Facilitator of the development of the indigenous church music. It was a project undertaken by CCM to develop the use of church music by local composers, and to promote it as a Malaysian contribution in the Asian region.

From his period of work Calvin Chelliah had organized “clinic” on developing liturgy and music which for the first time brought together aspiring Christian musicians in the country. Arising out of such programmes he managed to put together a collection of local hymn resources in a publication entitled CCM Hymnbook No.1. Some hymns from this book is still used in international ecumenical conferences.

He also represented CCM Malaysia in many regional worship and music workshops, as a resource person. Calvin Chelliah has used his God-given talents to offer to the world, music and texts of worship resources that carry a distinctly Malaysian flavour. He is remembered in deep gratitude by CCM for his contribution.

Calvin Chelliah has also remained a personal friend of the current General Secretary of CCM, as they studied together at Trinity Theological College, Singapore from 1973-1978.

Upon his sudden death, CCM conveys its deepest sympathies and condolences to the immediate family. May God, in his compassion and mercy grant them grace to face this sad loss.

Rev. Dr. Hermen Shastri