St. Peter's Church, Koralawella:

130 years of dedicated service

by W. Annesley Sumith Fernando

St. Peter's Church, Koralawella, Moratuwa led by Rev. Niroshan De Mel will celebrate its 130th anniversary on November 3.

The original edifice, where the parishioners assembled for adoration and fellowship has undergone a series of modifications and renovations over the past 130 years. St. Peter's shines as the foremost Anglican Church in Moratuwa, Lakshapath Mahavidanelage Francisco De Mel, the renowned philanthropist of Moratuwa contributed lavishly to build the original church in 1883.

The celebrations will reach its grand culmination when Rev. Dr. Pienzie Perera, Archdeacon of Galle celebrates and preaches at the solemn, festive service on November 3.

The history of Anglicanism in Moratuwa dates back to the early 19th century. The first Anglican Church in Koralawella was built on January 23, 1816 by V Pedro De Mel, the father of Francisco De Mel. Thereafter, two other Anglican Churches were built in 1821 and 1837.

After a lapse of around 45 years, another Anglican Church was built and it has blossomed to be the grand church which the parishioners call St. Peter's Church, Koralawella. The Church was consecrated and dedicated to St. Peter on November 1, 1883 by Rt. Rev. R.A. Copleston, the fourth Bishop of Colombo.

First incumbent

The first incumbent of the Church was Rev. R.S. Copleston, who many years later succeeded his brother, as fifth Bishop of Colombo. Rev. Johannes de Silva succeeded Rev. Copleston and he holds the distinction of being the first Sri Lankan incumbent of St. Peter's and also serving the parish for 22-years.

This is awesome indeed, when compared with the present day maximum five year tenure of incumbents at a parish. The next incumbent was Rev (Cannon) Jacob Mendis who was a son of Moratuwa.

In 1920, St. Peter's Koralawella was elevated to be the mother Church of the newly instituted Southern Moratuwa Parish, including St James Church, Egoda Uyana.

Prior to this, the member churches coming under the purview of the new parish came under the jurisdiction of Holy Emmanuel Church and the incumbent of Holy Emmanuel Church officiated at services conducted in those churches.

The land was donated and the vicarage was built by Charles De Mel and his wife Carolina De Mel, in memory of their parents Johannes De Mel and Blapuwaduge Semona Mendis.

The land and the vicarage were handed over to the church on January 6, 1926. Coranealis De Mel purchased the property behind the vicarage; renovated it and donated it to the church.

The house was named St. Peter's Cottage. Rev. Edwin Boteju felt the need for a chapel. Another Lakshpathi Maha Vidanalage De Mel family came forward. Milton J de Mel, Roger J de Mel, Adline, J E Soysa, Adin Peiris the heirs of Lake Joseph and Elizabeth De Mel and Vincent A De Mel, Walwin J de Mel volunteered to finance the chapel in memory of their parents and brothers respectively. On February 25, 1928, the chapel was consecrated by Rt Rev Mark, Rudolph, Carpenter, Garnier Bishop of Colombo. The Chapel was named "The Glory of God in Honour of the blessed virgin Mary."

Rev. Boteju, Wijayasekera, Andradie, Amaratunge and Jirasinghe became Cannons and Rev Kenneth Fernando was raised to the august position of Bishop of Colombo later.

In 1978, St. James' Church commenced functioning as a separate parish, independent of St. Peter's Church, Koralawella. Following the departure of Rev. Russel Rebert, Chrishantha Mendis, were appointed as Archdeacon of Galle and Colombo respectively.

Priests

The parish of St. Peter's, Koralawella has produced 15 priests.

In 1883, the Board of Wardens consisted of V Francisco De Mel (Deed Warden), W Andris Fernando (Bishop Warden), V Abraham De Mel and Daniel Peiris (Peoples Warden).

St. Peter's Church, Koralawella continues to shine as the rallying place of the faithful for worship, adoration and fellowship.