SAWYERPURAM

In the Sawyerpuram circle, which became in 1844 the centre of 
important educational work also [ see pp. 544, 792], baptisms of adults 
were reported in 1846 to be taking place “ every month or nearly 
so ” [27], but about 10 years later progress was checked by “ a con- 
siderable secession” caused by the native deacon [David, see p. 545] 
making use of an expression respecting the Shanars which they con- 
sidered an indignity to their caste. Many of the seceders however (in- 
cluding all the baptized ones) returned during the next five years [28]. 

The movement which began in the Sawyerpuram Mission in 1844 
was followed by similar ones in the two chief districts to the south.