Christ Church Galkissa: Thanksgiving service to mark 175th anniversary
View(s):Christ Church Galkissa celebrated the 175th anniversary of its consecration on February 16, and a thanksgiving service will be held today, February 18 at 8 a.m. at the church with Bishop Dhiloraj Canagasabey as the Chief Celebrant and Preacher along with the Archdeacon of Galle, Ven. Sunil Ferdinando, vicar of Christ Church Galkissa, Rev. Nihal Fernando and the curates.
Christ Church Galkissa was consecrated on February 16, 1843 by Bishop Trevor Spencer, second Bishop of Madras, as the Diocese of Colombo had not come into existence then. However, the history of the Church stretches back to 1705, according to historian Valentyn who records there was a pretty good Church, roofed with tiles and built upon 10 masonry and 20 stone pillars, taken from the temple of Pepiliyana. Therefore, this has been a centre of worship for well over 300 years.
The church is also known as the ‘Church of the Open Door’ as its doors have been always kept open since June 6, 1959 due to the vision of the charismatic Vicar Rev. Felix Dias Abeysinghe. The church is on the Galle Road, close to the Dehiwela junction and many passersby drop in for prayer and personal reflection.
At the time of the British arrival in Ceylon in 1803, this church was roofless, but the pillars were in perfect condition. Owing to its proximity to the Governor’s country residence at Mount Lavinia, Sir Robert Brownrigg took a personal interest in its restoration in 1820, meeting the cost out of his private purse. Christians at Galkissa also seem to have contributed towards the repairs.