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| Sunday, 2 November 2003 |
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Recalling history: Commemorating 125 years - Richmond Hill, Methodist Church by Daya Fernando Richmond Hill Methodist Church in Galle celebrated its 125th anniversary with a service of thanksgiving held under the patronage of Parish Priest Rev. Kingsley Weerasinghe and attended by a large congregation of old Richmondites, residents of the area and other well-wishers on Sunday October 12.
The event which brought nostalgic memories to many of those present was a grand occasion for which credit should go to the Methodist Council, Rev. Kingsley Weerasinghe and all others who assisted in making it a success. Though this church is somewhat younger in age than Richmond College its history is interwoven with that of Richmond College which contributed to its establishment in large measure. A group of Methodist missionary priests from England arrived in Galle on June 29, 1814. One of them, Rev. Benjamin Kalaf dedicated himself for the service of God in the Galle area. Though it was an unknown environment in an alien country the priest soon established close rapport with the people and built a peaceful environment in the area. With the help of Bhikkhus in surrounding Buddhist temples he quickly learnt Sinhala and Pali languages. In 1840 he was able to start an English school in Fort Galle prior to his death. In 1850 Rev. Joseph Rippon came over from England to take charge of the Galle parish which fell vacant with the death of Rev. Kalaf. Rev. Rippon soon set up a company called Regional Education Company in 1854. This Company started several Swabasha (vernacular) schools at Kalegana, Dadalla, Dodanduwa, Kalahe, Metaramba and Ambalangoda. By this time English schools had come up in Matara and Galle. Following on these lines Rev. Rippon's Company bought a picturesque 17 acre plot of land named 'Seyanoris' Hill or 'Sylaries' Hill at Kumbalwella just 2 miles off Galle town with the intention of setting up an English medium school. Rev. Rippon had obtained his theological degree from Richmond Theological school situated on a small hillock on the banks of the River Thames in England. Since 'Sylaries' Hill had identical features as the setting in Richmond Theological school in England he renamed it Richmond Hill. Rev. Rippon who was in constant touch with the Methodist Council agitated for the setting up of an English medium school at Richmond Hill. Though the request was granted in principle the actual setting up of the institution was postponed for a later date due to lack of funds. Rev. George Baugh who took over the Galle Parish from Rev. Rippon who went on transfer pursued this matter in earnest and as a result 1,200 sterling pounds was allocated for this project. The result was the setting up of an English school called Galle High School at Richmond Hill on May 1, 1876. The founder Principal of this school was Rev. Samuel Langdon. Soon after starting this school Rev. George Bough went on transfer to India. When Rev. Langdon was transferred to Uva Rev. Samuel Hill who was Parish Priest Galle took over the mantle of this school in 1879. Rev. Hill who had graduated from the Richmond Theological School in London renamed Galle High School as Richmond College in 1881. A large number of Methodist children were studying at the High School (Richmond), Theological school, Girls' school and the Technical Centre situated at Richmond Hill. A church to cater to the religious activities of these children and their families became an urgent need and on Rev. Hill's persistence a church was built at the foot of Richmond Hill at a cost of Rs. 71,130 in October 1878. There was a large congregation at this church from then on but attendance has dwindled in recent years due to parishioners migrating to other areas in the country for employment and other personal compulsions. A large number of foreign and local priests have served the parish in this church and all of them both living and dead were remembered on this occasion with gratitude and thanksgiving. The Richmond Hill Church has been totally refurbished to suit the 125th anniversary celebrations due to the untiring efforts of the present parish priest Rev. Fr. Kingsley Weerasinghe. The entire roof was done up by removing local tiles and relaying Asbestos roofing sheets this year (2003). Nearly Rs. 200,000 has been already spent on the renovation giving the church its historic lustre of the bygone era. The parishioners are extremely grateful to the Methodist Council and the other well-wishers for making this possible. |
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