Dare to step back in time with me right here in front of St. Peter’s Church. This seemingly modest building has witnessed centuries of Colombo’s transformations. Originally, this very ground held a Dominican monastery and a Chapel of Misericordia built during the Portuguese era.
But in 1656, the Dutch seized Colombo and ten years later, they transformed the chapel into the Governor’s official residence. Imagine elegant two-story facade overlooking the waterfront. Council meetings buzzed within its walls. Ambassadors from the Kingdom of Kandy were lavishly entertained here.
The British arrived in 1796. They initially used it as a residence for a high-ranking officer. By this time, the building was in disrepair. The roof leaked badly. For a short time, Anglicans worshipped at Wolvendaal Church. In 1804, Governor Frederick North decided to convert this building into a Garrison Church. A notice declared that services would be held at the Government House. St. Peter’s Church was slowly reborn.
It wasn’t until May 22, 1821 that St. Peter’s Church was officially consecrated. Bishop Thomas Fanshawe Middleton of Calcutta performed the ceremony. Governor Edward Barnes entrusted St. Peter’s Church to four trustees that same year.
Major renovations occurred in 1832. The verandah and portico were added. These additions featured classical masonry columns. They were typical of British architecture at the time. Look closely. Only a few traces of the original Dutch colonial design remain like the clerestory windows and prominent gable walls.
Inside St. Peter’s Church you will find a two-story structure. The interior still echoes with the old Dutch colonnade. Commemorative tablets line the inner walls. They honor deceased Dutch and British elites. William Tolfrey rests here. He translated the Bible into Pali and Sinhalese. Also here is Thomas James Twistleton the first Archdeacon of Colombo.
Notice the portico its dimensions spanning 11.82 meters in length and 7 meters in width. Six arched pillars support it. Two porches flank either side. Each measures 12.87 meters long and 3.6 meters wide. The hall beyond the porches stretches 30.8 meters in length and 18.2 meters in width. Two rows of arch pillars divide the hall into three sections.
Interestingly the upper story once served as a club for seamen. St. Peter’s Church served visiting sailors for a long time.
During the Sri Lankan Civil War access to St. Peter’s Church was restricted. This was because of its proximity to the Colombo Harbour and Police Headquarters.
St. Peter’s Church stands as a testament to Colombo’s layered past. It has been a residence a meeting place and a sanctuary. It’s a place where echoes of Dutch governors British officials and faithful worshippers blend. Take a moment to absorb the atmosphere. Consider the stories held within these walls.