The first Marthoma residents in Ernakulam, as per available records are.-, 
(1) K.T.Thomas, a son of the late Vicar General Kovoor Achan, employed in the Government of Cochin, as a citizen (subject) of that State; 
(2) Barrister K.K.Chacko, from Puthencavu, Chengannur, who later moved to Trivandrum, and eventually became a Judge of the Travancore High Court; 
(3) Dr.K.K.George, younger brother of Barrister K.K.Chacko,a UK- qualified dental surgeon. 

These three persons and their families used to meet in christian fellowship, in Dr.George’s house, every week. 
Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I, in the midst of them (Mathew 18 : 20).
The fellowship of this trio, might well be described, as the embryo of the Marthoma Church, in Ernakulam. Though we have not preserved any record of it, more entrants must have come into this fellowship, even at that time.

The next important entrant into this group, was Divan Bahadur Dr.V.Varghese, of Kozhimannil, Karakkal, Tiruvalla, who became Chief Medical Officer, in the State of Cochin. Dr.V.Varghese’s son Dr.Tharian Varghese, who was also a medical doctor, followed his father’s foot steps and joined Cochin Medical Service and succeeded his father, as Chief Medical Officer. Other Marthomites must have also come into this Marthoma fellowship, during this period.

In the year 1932, regular congregational worship service, according to prescribed Church liturgy, was commenced, on two alternate sundays in a month. In the absence of a resident pastor, these congregational services were led, alternatively by :- 
(1) The Rev.C.T.Mathew (later The Rt.Rev.Dr.Mathews Mar Athanasius) then North Travancore Missionary of the Suvisesha Sangham, stationed at Keezhillam/Perumbavoor; 
(2) The Rev.C.M.John (later The Most Rev.Dr.Yuhanon Marthoma Metropolitan), then a teacher on the staff of MT Seminary High School, Kottayam and of Vaideeka Seminary, Kottayam) 

Worship service was conducted initially in a private building in Market Road, belonging to one Mr.P.V.Mathai, later it was shifted to Anglican Immanuel Church in Broadway for some time and later still, to an upstairs room in Broadway, belonging to S.Kodar. 

The year 1932 is reckoned as the year of establishment of Marthoma Church, in Ernakulam, in recognition of the fact that congregational worship service became commenced in that year.

As per available records, the first congregation included.- 
(1) Dr.Tharian Varghese 
(2) Mr.P.C.Cherian 
(3) Professor C.J.Peter 
(4) Dr.Koshy Mathew 
and their families. There should have been quite a few others also, in the 1932 congregation.

Soon after, more persons and their families, who have left indelible mark on the development of the parish, joined the congregation. Particular mention has to be made of
1936 - Mr.P.M.Mani & family; 
1937 - Mr.K.K.Alexander & family;
1941 - Mr.A.S.George, YMCA, Secretary.

In the year 1936, the present Church premises, 14 cents in extent, in Convent Road, was acquired, in the joint names of three members viz., 
(1) Mr.P.M.Mani; 
(2) Mrs.Tharian Varghese; 
(3) Mrs.Koshy Mathew. 

A small place of worship of 40′ x 18′ dimensions, comfortably adequate to accommodate the small community of those days, was constructed in the new premises. The construction was completed in the year 1937. 
Some restraints, in the regulatory laws of Cochin, prevented recognition of the new construction, as a Church. Therefore, the building was named as Marthoma Centenary Hall.

Sanction was accorded later, by the Cochin State Government, to declare the hall-building as a Church. The building was accordingly dedicated as Salem Marthoma Church, by the Rt.Rev.Yuhanon Mar Timotheos Episcopa (later Metropolitan Yuhanon Marthoma). In accordance with the undertaking, that the community had given at that time, we do not bring dead bodies to the Salem Church, for funeral service.

As already mentioned, worship service was commenced in the year 1932 and conducted on alternate sundays – alternatively by :- (1) Rev.C.T.Mathew; Perumbavoor, and (2) Rev.C.M.John, Kottayam.

A vicarate for Ernakulam was established in the year 1937. During the period 1942-’66, one pastor functioned as common Vicar of Ernakulam and Cochin parishes. Names of the pastors who have served as Vicars, are given in the below link.

Mention is made here, of some of the past lay members of the parish, who have also given great personal contribution in moulding the life and tempo of the Church.

Taking into account, the requirement of additional built-up space, for worship service and very limited land space available, the Church commenced construction of a multi-storied church complex, upon demolition of then existing structure, at an estimated cost of Rs. Twenty million. Construction commenced in February 2009 and was completed in August 2010, at a total cost of Rs Twenty Seven million.

The new and exceptionally beautiful Church Complex, that has finally emerged, was consecrated by the Metropolitan of the Church, Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Marthoma, on Saturday, August 28, 2010. Since then, we have been worshipping, in the new church.

At present, Salem Mar Thoma Church has a membership of about 1450, comprising about 380 families and a few individual members.

We look back with gratitude, God's goodness and mercies, that have led us this far. Fervently and prayerfully, we look ahead, for God's continued goodness and mercies, for fulfilment of the mission, for which we are called.