Amidst a bustling Colombo stands the 170-year-old Christ Church Galle Face
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The way it was: A view of the church
For 170 years, Christ Church Galle Face has stood as a timeless symbol of faith. On October 13 at 6.30 p.m, the church will mark its anniversary with a service of praise and thanksgiving featuring the choirs of Ladies’ College, S. Thomas Prep. School and the Church choir, as well as the Music Ministry Choir directed by Ishan de Lanerolle. At the organ will be Neranjan de Silva.
Initially named CMS Cathedral, the church traces back to a decision in a London CMS (Christian Missionary Society) meeting in 1799 to send missionaries to Ceylon. Designed by British architect W. A. Tunstall, it was constructed with GBP 960 from CMS London and generous local donations. The foundation stone was laid in 1853, opening its doors to worshippers in the same year.
Rooted in early Gothic style, the church has pointed arch nave arcades and king post roof bracing, accentuated by flying buttresses. The stained glass windows have been progressively enlarged, adorning the sanctuary’s sidewalls, the captivating East window behind the altar, and the Rose window above the main entrance. The mosaic floor has a repeating geometrical pattern and intricate timber carvings grace the pews and stands, embellishing the church’s interior.
Electricity lit the church in 1914, marking a significant step forward. The construction of the belfry, standing at 76 feet, began in 1918 and was dedicated on June 30, 1919. A one-ton bell, a poignant tribute from Lt. W. Mitchell’s widow, finds its place here.
While urbanisation has altered the surroundings, Christ Church Galle Face remains a city landmark amidst towering skyscrapers. The church’s colonial legacy lives on through marble plaques, recalling lives lost tragically. Today, it continues to play a vital role in the community, embracing its duty of preaching the Gospel of peace to the generations that follow, cementing its place in Colombo’s historical and spiritual narrative.
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