How about stepping back to 1853? Imagine the scene as we stand before Christ Church of Galle. This iconic Anglican church offers a serene escape from Colombo’s bustling city life.
Christ Church of Galle stands as a testament to unity. It embodies resilience and unwavering faith. The vision was “the Union of Races in the Church of Christ.” This landmark has witnessed centuries of history. It has adapted and evolved while preserving its spiritual essence.
Originally known as Colombo Mission Church, Christ Church of Galle was consecrated on October 13, 1853. Rt. Rev. James Chapman, the First Anglican Bishop of Sri Lanka, officiated. Early missionaries preached in street corners. Bible women visited homes. The clergy ministered tirelessly. They drew believers to form a strong faith community at Galle Face.
The Church Missionary Society, or CMS, began Christ Church of Galle. In those days, it was known as the CMS Cathedral. It is a ‘low church’. The church is evangelical in its outlook. It is characterized by simplicity in service and ceremony.
Rev. George Pettitt, the first CMS missionary, arrived in Colombo in 1850. Ironically, Christ Church of Galle owes its origin to a priest with little Sunday work. Rev. Pettitt became Secretary of the CMS in Ceylon. His duties lacked ministerial work. He suggested building a church near Slave Island railway station. There, he could hold regular English services.
The main object was “The union of races in the Church of Christ”. Its Galle Face location was ideal. The esplanade was a popular meeting point for all races. People came to ‘take in the sea air’.
Christ Church of Galle was built with £860 from the CMS in London. Generous local donations also helped. Bishop Chapman laid the foundation stone on January 21, 1853. W. A. Tunstall, a British architect, designed the church for free.
In 1855, Rev. Pettitt returned to England due to ill health. Rev. William Knight replaced him. Later, Rev. Henry Whitley took permanent charge. Rev. Whitley ministered to about six thousand people. They lived around Slave Island. This included Malays and soldiers of Ceylon Rifles. He ministered in all three languages. His incumbency is remembered for his tragic death. An old school wall fell on him in November 1860. He was supervising construction.
The initial structure was small. It was built with local materials, mainly kabook. Over the years, Christ Church of Galle changed faces. However, the initial architectural language and internal layout remained.
In 1897, the west wall fell. Heavy monsoon showers deteriorated the kabook. The church was rebuilt in brick. It retained its old design. The foundation stone of the ‘new’ church was laid on June 14, 1898. The Bishop of Colombo, Rt. Rev. R. S. Copleston, officiated.
The early Gothic style features a pointed arch nave arcade. King post roof bracing forms flying buttresses. This emphasizes verticality. It soars upwards to heaven. Stained glass decorates the sidewalls of the sanctuary. The East window and Rose window boast intricate colors. Mosaic patterns adorn the floor.
Timber carvings enhance the interior. Intricate foliage traceries are engraved on pews and stands. Three stained glass windows stand behind the main altar. The church has a high roof laid with local tiles.
Christ Church of Galle received electricity in 1914. The belfry construction began in 1918. It was dedicated on June 30, 1919. The one-ton bell was donated in memory of Lt. C.M.G. William Wilson Mitchell by his widow.
During World War II, allied troops were stationed in Colombo. They defended the harbor and air. Colombo was frequented by British, Canadian, New Zealand, Australian, African, and American soldiers. Key military installations were around Fort, Slave Island, and Colpetty. These men attended church services at Christ Church of Galle.
The Bishop of Colombo instructed the vicar to accommodate them. Services filled with allied airmen, sailors, and soldiers. They mingled with the locals.
The vicar started a canteen. It became a ‘home away from home’. Soldiers met for fellowship and blessings. Locals made new friends. Some girls even found matrimonial prospects.
The cross on top of Christ Church of Galle was placed in 1954. The church lost its adjoining school to the government. Some land was given for road expansion. Other land was sold to a bank.
Today, Christ Church of Galle consists of two parishes. They are English and Tamil. As you leave this sacred space, remember its enduring legacy. It stands as a beacon of unity and peace.