Rt Rev T B Benjamin, former Bishop of the CSI North Kerala Diocese, entered in to eternal rest at Kottayam on Wednesday morning. He was 102.

Bishop Benjamin was born as the son of Archdeacon T K Benjamin and Annamma, Theverthundiyil, Maramon on May 17, 1907. He did his studies at CMS College, Kottayam, and U C College, Alwaye. He started his ministry as a Church Worker of the Travancore-Cochin Anglican Diocese, at Erathumbamon near Omalloor. After his Theological Education at the Cambridge Nicholson Institute (CNI) at Kottayam, he was ordained deacon of the Diocese. Soon after his ordination, he did his higher studies in Cambridge University, England. He served as the Presbyter of St Paul's Church, Ranny; Christ Church, Trivandrum; and Holy Trinity Cathedral, Kottayam. During his tenure as the vicar of the Cathedral, he also served as the Corporate Manager of the CMS Schools. He was consecrated Bishop of North Kerala Diocese in 1960, and served the Diocese for 17 years.

Bishop Benjamin is survived by his wife Grace Kochamma, and their children Mrs Jiji Mathan, Mr T Oommen Benjamin(Biju) and their respective families; and the family of their son Late Mr T K Benjamin (Benji). The mortal remains of Thirumeni will be brought to the CSI Holy Trinity Cathedral at 11.00 am on Friday 27 for public viewing. The funeral will take place at 3.00 pm in the afternoon on the same day.