St. Paul’s Church

Had King George III envisioned this? St. Paul’s Church, nestled beside the revered Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, stands as a testament to a complex history. The British monarch, in a surprising move, suggested the church be built near the Buddhist shrine. This proximity, while showcasing religious tolerance, initially sparked controversy. St. Paul’s Church’s story began in 1825. Bishop Reginald Heber, visiting Kandy, found services held in the former king’s Audience Hall, a place he associated with past cruelties. He recognized the need for a dedicated church. Construction began in 1843, on land granted by the British government. The foundation stone was laid by the Bishop of Madras, and the church first opened its doors in 1846, though still unfinished. The consecration finally took place on St. Paul’s Day, January 25th, 1853. St. Paul’s Church initially served the British garrison, earning it the nickname “Garrison Church”. Its neo-Gothic architecture, built with locally-made terracotta bricks, stands in stark contrast to the traditional Kandyan architecture of its surroundings. The church’s history is marked by expansions in 1878 and 1928. A unique feature of St. Paul’s is its pipe organ, a gift from a disused church in Bradford, replacing the original 1874 organ. The church’s east window, a vibrant stained-glass masterpiece from 1874, depicts scenes from the life of Christ. Tragically, in 1998, a bomb blast near the Temple of the Tooth caused significant damage to St. Paul’s. The church, however, remains a symbol of resilience. St. Paul’s Church stands as a unique landmark in Kandy. It represents a convergence of cultures, a blend of architectural styles, and a testament to a shared history.