This is a page dedicated to the Life and Ministry of Dr AB Masilamani, Seidel's Grandfather
Rev Dr AB Masilamani or ఆచార్య ఏ.బి మాసిలామణి (1914-1990) is a world-renowned Bible scholar, theologian, evangelist, preacher, writer, lyricist & novelist. He was a great ambassador for Christ who encouraged and edified several hundreds of churches and thousands of Christian leaders worldwide in their walk, work and witness for the Lord Jesus Christ. He was a spiritual giant who made an indelible impression in the hearts of Telugu Christian Diasporas with his inspiring, mellifluous songs and soul winning preaching. He wrote some of the well known Telugu Christian hymns like ‘Nadipinchu Na Naava’, ‘Margamu Chupumu Intiki’, ‘Andala Taara’ and ‘Randi Suvartha Sunadamutho’.
Dr. Masilamani not only believed that the preaching of the cross is the power of God unto salvation, but also has communicated that life giving message to several hundreds of thousands of people in his life time. He had very humble beginnings, but rose to the highest heights academically, spiritually and demonstrated extraordinary talents in serving his Lord Jesus Christ. Whatever he did had uniqueness and freshness. His interpretation of the Bible was unique that unleashed the deepest of truths. His flow of Telugu and English in preaching was flawless. His sweet and flowery use of words invoked the inner passions on turning many to Jesus Christ. His love and affection made him the heart throb of everyone. Best of all, his down to earth demeanour made him a friend of all.
For his contributions to worldwide Christian ministry, McMasters University in Canada honoured him in 1974 with a Doctor of Divinity degree. Due to his versatile ministry, he was given several titles like ‘Billy Graham of the East’, ‘Man of the Age’, ‘Spotless Gem’ and King of Preachers’. Other honours are as follows.
- In 2006, a PhD was awarded by Andhra University to Dr Anita Margaret for her Thesis – A Critical Analysis of Dr AB Masilamani’s Writings.
- In 2014, Aradhana TV, a Telugu Christian devotional TV channel, aired a one-hour special documentary on the life of Dr Masilamani as a tribute for his birth centenary celebrations.
- On 30 November 2021, Ministry of Communications (India), Department of Posts, released a Philatelic cover through Office of Postmaster General Visakhapatnam region, India.
Timeline of His Life
Ministerial and Scholastic Appointments
1938-1955 Pastor of various Baptist Churches
1955-1958 Principal, Baptist Theological Seminary, Kakinada, India
1959 President, Convention of Baptist Churches of Northern Circars
1960 Literature Secretary, the National Council of Churches in India
1960s President of the Asia Baptist Youth Fellowship
1963-1969 Auxiliary Secretary, Bible Society of India, Andhra Pradesh
1970 onwards President, New Life Associates, Hyderabad, India
1974-1975 Lecturer in Evangelism, Serampore College
1976 Visiting Professor, Hayward Lectures, Acadia Divinity College
Academic Qualifications
1937 Licentiate in Theology (LTh) from the Senate of Serampore College
1945 Bachelor of Divinity (BD) from the Senate of Serampore College
1948 Master of Arts (MA) from the University of Calcutta
1953 Master of Theology (ThM) from the University of Toronto
1971 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from Osmania University
1976 Honorary Doctor of Divinity (DD), McMaster University
Non-Published Songs in Telugu Language
1936 నమో క్రీస్తునాధ Namo Kristhunaadha
– నిన్ను గొలిచేదా రారా నా యేసన్న Ninnu Golichedha Raaraa Naa Yesanna
– నీ దర్శనమునకే యేసు – నీ ధరి చేరితిని Nee Darshanamunakey Yesu – Nee Dhari Cherithini
– ఆకాశ సీమలో Aakasha Seemalo
– ఆనందం ఆనందం Anandham Anandham
Published Songs in Telugu Language
1946 దేవా వెంబడించితి నీనామము Deva Vemabinchithini Naamamun
1959 జీవ హారమా రమ్ము Jeeva Harama Rammu
1962 రండి సువార్త సునాధముతో Randi Suvaartha Sunadhamutho
1964 హే ప్రభు యేసు Hey Prabhhu Yesu
1965 సంతోషింపరే ప్రియులారా Santhoshimpare Priyularaa
1965 మధుర మధుర మధుర సేవ Madhura Madhura Madhura Seva
1966 దేవుని నీతి ప్రతాపం Devuni Neethi Prathapam
1968 నూతన ఆకాశ నీడలో Nuthana Akasa Needalo
1969 బాసిల్లేను సిలువలో పాపాక్షమా Baasillenu Siluvalo Paapakshama
1970 జయ హే, జయ హే, జయ హే Jaya Hey, Jaya Hey, Jaya Hey
1970 ప్రార్ధన నేర్పుమాయ Pradhana Nerpumaya
1972 నడిపించు నా నావా Nadipinchu Naa Naava
1972 అందాల తార అరుంధించే నాకై Andala Taara Arundhinche Naakai
1974 ప్రభు ప్రేమ తొలికేక Prabhu Prema Tholikeka
1976 మార్గము చూపు ఇంటికి Margamu Chupumu Intiki
1979 దేవుని వారసులం Devuni Vaarasulam
1980 ప్రభు యేసుని వదనములో Prabhu Yesuni Vadanamulo
1980 ధన్య చరితానై పదేధ గీతి Dhanya Charitanai Paadedha Geethi
1981 వార్తలలో యేసు సువార్త Varthalalo Yesu Suvartha
1982 తల దాచుకోనుటకు నీడ Tala Daachukonutaku Needa
1982 పరమాత ప్రోక్షణం Paramaatha Proskhanam
1984 కరుణ రసభరిత Karuna Rasabharitha
1985 దేవా సుతుడవని జీవ ప్రధుడవని Deva Suthudavani Jeeva Pradhudavani
1986 జీవ మకుటము దాల్చినవా Jeeva Makutamu Daalchinava
– పరిమళ సుమములు Parimala Sumamulu
– సిలువ మూర్తి నీదు ప్రేమ Siluva Murthi Needhu Prema
– కరుణ పీటము జేరరే Karuna Peetamu Jerarey
– ప్రభు సరసయే పరలోకం Prabhu Sarasaye Paralokam