All Saints Church Galle celebrates its 150th anniversary

The 150th anniversary celebrations of All Saints Church, Galle were held on February 21, 2021 under the patronage of the Archdeacon of Galle, Ven. John Marshall.

Unfortunately, the historic event had to be curtailed in keeping with existing Covid-19 health regulations.

The Service of Thanksgiving was celebrated by Rt. Rev. Dushantha Rodrigo, Bishop of Colombo and Rt. Rev. Keerthisiri Fernando, Bishop of Kurunegala. The sermon was delivered by Bishop Keerthisiri Fernando, recapturing the history of Christians in Sri Lanka and the values of Saints as the church was named, reminding the congregation of all the Saints of the past.

Rt. Rev. Raymond Wickremasinghe, Bishop of Galle, with leaders of all religions and Christian denominations in Galle, were also present

Archdeacons and Clergy who served as Vicars and assistant priests in the Church in the past were among the gathering.

Although celebrations were limited without much fanfare, the congregation mingled with the clergy after the service, recalling the past and sharing the joyous occasion, which evoked many pleasant memories.

All Saints Church, Galle was built in 1868 under the guidance Rev. Dr. Piers Calveley Claughton, the second Bishop of Colombo and the leadership of Rev. Dr. George Justus Schrader, who was later Archdeacon of Colombo. The construction was completed in 1871, with the consecration taking place on February 21 that year.

According to historical records, 480 civil and 45 military personnel were present at the service and the day’s collection amounted to 105 Pounds, 10 shillings and four pence.

The All Saints Church is the finest specimen of an English Church of the 13th century architecture in Ceylon built in Victorian Gothic Revival style but modified to suit the local conditions. It was built with arches in local kabuk and strong lime mortar.

The heavy pews with Jewish emblems of David star were all done in Burma Teak. The most eye catching are the tall stained glass windows, a rare specimen of beauty. This edifice has withstood many moons and still stand out firm as a landmark of the historical Dutch fortress in Galle.

I thank God for allowing me to worship and serve in various capacities in the Church for more than five decades. I first stepped into the church in 1949 with my parents when my father (Late Rev. E. O. P. Welikala) was appointed the Vicar.

I pray that this beautiful church will serve many more Christians for generations to come.

– Lakshman Welikala,

Senior Member,

All Saints Church,

Galle.