Late Rev. Bommarthi Manikyam was born on 31st May 1912 in a remote village at Venkatpur [7km] from Medak in Medak district, Telangana, India. He hails from a poor family and agricultural cultivation was the only source of income for their family consisting of four brothers.

Rev. B. Manikyam had inclination to learn and his passion to go to school, due to the poverty the family could not afford his education as per his desire. However he was determined to join School at Medak Mission Compound. He used to commute to school, by walking 7 km to and fro every day from his village [ie] Venkatpur- Medak.

While he was at school at Medak, A team of British Missionaries noticed his interest and Intelligence and encouraged to send him to school. These British Missionaries supported him for his higher education and sent him to Wesley Boys School and Hostel in Secunderabad- Telangana, India. With the golden opportunity he received, Rev. Manikyam excelled in his academics and his performance was outstanding.

“The Blessing of the Lord it maketh rich and added no sorrow”, Proverbs 10.22, truly merciful

God had blessed him with good physique and health. He was a good sportsman and represented the Wesley Boys School and Hostel at Secunderabad in football and basketball in the Inter School Tournaments.

After completing his matriculation, he was passionate and had a desire to serve God and worked with dedication towards the Ministry for all the goodness mercies bestowed upon him, and uplifting him from the difficult situations and decided to dedicate his life for the Ministry. His desire was to uplift his own village, hometown Venkatpur, which was under severe drought and to win many souls to the Almighty God.

Furthermore, the Missionaries helped him to pursue his higher education in Theology, They supported and sponsored his Theological Studies at United Theological College [UTC]- Bangalore. After successful completion of the Theological studies, Rev. Manikyam joined the Erstwhile Medak Diocese and served the Diocese for 45 long years.

He served in rural areas around Medak Diocese for several years and later was elevated to serve the grade’A’ Pastorates like Medak Cathedral, Ellareddy, Panigiri, CSI Wesley Church- Musheerabad, St. Thomas (SPG) Church –Secunderabad. CSI Wesley Church – Secunderabad celebrated its Golden Jubilee from March 4-6 in 1966 when Rev.B.Manikyam was the presbyter–in-charge.

During his tenure, he served the Medak Diocese in various capacities including First Bishop’s Commissary during Bishop Eber Priestly when he went on furlough for six months and later as Moderator’s Commissary after Bishop Eber Priestly retired and before the election of the new Bishop.

Apart from the above, he was the Chairman of Medak Town District Church Council, Property Manager and acting Treasurer for a long period. He was also a Convenor for ’paid lay worker’ and co-signatory of Medak Diocese.

While, he was incharge of the Medak Cathedral Compound as Superintendent he had the Privilege of receiving many Missionaries like Rev. Livingston, Rev. Gordon Shaw, Rev. R. A. Marsh, Rev. Scrase, Rev. Ernest Gallahar and Rev. Cotelingam.

He had a great privilege of working with the pioneer of Medak Diocese Rev. Charles Walker Posnett. Apart from the above mentioned legends, he also had the privilege of working with Missionaries like Rev. Saunders, Dr. Russell and Rev. Dorothy Hill who later adapted the Venkatpur village

Rev. B. Manikyam was married to Mrs.Satyamma and they are blessed with four children – one daughter and three sons. Due to his sincere services and commitments in the Ministry, God has blessed his family and all his children and grand children are well settled today. His only daughter – Mrs. Leena Jayaraj, settled in London for over 49 years, has retired from National Health Service (NHS) is also involved in the Methodist Church in London.