An era of hundred and seventy five years

by Kumar Corea

Pearched on an evergreen hilltop with the view of the placid waters edge closely seen from the west door, is the Anglican Church of St. James Chilaw. The bells of St. James' Church will again toll, to proclaim another jubilee celebration of one hundred and seventy five years.

Many pilgrims, past worshippers, and well-wishers from neighbouring sister churches from all denominations will join in the procession on November 11 at 7.30 a.m. They will gather at the Esplanade in front of Weaver's Street which is on the left hand side of the Colombo - Chilaw Highway.

The procession will proceed along this street to the church which is a short distance away. A service of thanksgiving will follow with the Holy Eucharist by the celebrant, the Rt. Revd. Duleep de Chickera Bishop of the Diocese of Colombo. The preacher will be the Roman Catholic Bishop of Chilaw The Most Revd. Valence Mendis. The present Vicar of St. James' Revd.: Paul Manikarajah will officiate.

This centre of worship originated when a group of about 50 people of christian conversion migrated from the Coramendal Coast of India, having suffered persecution there. They were re-settled by the Dutch Governor Vander Graff of Tuticorin, on a large plot of land with coconut trees; they were weavers by occupation weaving coarse cloth. Hence the name Weavers Street. Only prayers meetings were started in a makeshift cadjan built shed in 1814. Then a foundation was laid and a church was built by the late Mr. F. J. Templar, Provincial Collector and Judge in 1831 with fund - raising efforts by its first visiting chaplain the late Rev. Christian David. The church was rebuilt in 1897.

The first incumbent was the Late William John Perret Walthan from 1897 to 1901. He was succeeded by the late Rev. A. R. Weerasinghe, W. P. Thomas, A. M. Maluich, S. K. Ponniah, C. C. Arulpragasam, E. O. P. Welikala, S. M. J. Jebamony, S. Thurairajah, C. Thambimutthu, C. Henry Perera and the Rev. Lloyd Weerasuriya, presently Chaplain at S. Thomas' College, Mt. Lavinia. The Ven. Chrishantha Mendis, presently serving in the Diocese of Colombo was its Vicar during the 150th year of jubilee.

Since then the following incubents took charge as Vicars of the Church. The Rev. : J. T. Peiris, K. P. Gnanados, J. N. Jeyachandra and M. Sathivel. The present Vicar the Rev. Paul Manikkarajah holds office during this hundred and seventy fifth year of jubilee.

Out of some memories that linger, is the traditional Christmas season when Santa arrives in a fishing canoe across the lagoon and little children dance and sing carols, seen often against the backdrop of a gorgeous sunset scene.

This is a longing event for both younger and older folk.

In this end time biblical prophesies now, we are amidst wars and rumours of wars, missiles, rockets, claymo mines and tsunami storms when one sits besides these lagoon waters its stillness promotes healing of the mind.

Here there is an assurance of hope where one can expect showers of blessings through storms of adversity, and so in leisured reflection the echo of the following verse from an Anglican hymn quite appropriately of thanksgiving to the church of St. James in celebration.

"Breathe through the hearts of our desire, Thy coolness and Thy balm, Let sense be dumb, Let flesh retire; Speak through the earthquake, wind and fire, Oh! still small voice of calm."