Warm Greetings and welcome to Christ Church, Galkissa Website!
We feel much blessed to see you and have you as a part of our Church community. Please feel free to learn, cooperate, and relate to us to make something delightful for the glory of God and for the benefit of all. We hope that you would be interested to learn about how this church came to exist in this location.
The very earliest reference of a Church in Galkissa as per the historian Valentyn is found in 1705. The 10 masonry and the 20 stone pillars were said to be provided by a Temple in Pepiliyana used to build this church originally with clay walls. The Place Name of the Church ‘Galkissa’ has also known as ‘Gal Vissa’ (20 stone pillars) as it appeared during that time. Another explanation given to this name is ‘Rocky Bay’ (‘Gal’ = Rocky ‘Kissa’ = Bay).
Sir Robert Brownrigg, the British Governor in 1820 has taken personal interest to renovate and expand the church building with his personal purse and later the Christians in Galkissa also have contributed for this beautiful Christ Church which has an amazing Gothic Architecture. It was also recorded in a letter of the Colonial Chaplain, Twistleton that the Lady North, wife of Fredrick North the First Governor of Sri Lanka (1796-1804) also has contributed for the restoration of the Church. The Church was consecrated by Rt. Rev. G.T. Spencer, Bishop of Madras on 16th February 1843. The Church School was moved to the Auburn side where the present Vicarage is situated close to it. The extension of the church was made by moving the Sanctuary towards the West end and carving out two Chapels either side of the News Sanctuary in 1949.
The earlier ministry of the church was carried out by Catechist and Deacons under the Archdeacon in 1833 and since then many Priests have ministered to the congregation while they were looking after other Churches in the region as well. You will find it very interesting to note that the main door of the Church was opened on 6th June 1959, never to be closed by day or night and the Church has been now known as ‘The Church of the Open Door’.
At present Sunday Holy Eucharist are celebrated at morning and evening; English (6.00am, 7.15am & 6.00pm Praise & Worship with Holy Communion), Tamil (9.00am) and Sinhala (10.30am) languages providing space for all ethnic, races and traditions to worship God keeping their own cultural values. All Organizations of the Church; Sunday School, Youth fellowship, Mothers Union , Choir, Adults Fellowship and Social Action Committee are very active and conduct their own Spiritual and outreach programmes and meetings throughout the week. Hope you will find it very meaningful in partnering their ministries in whatever the way possible for you.
We warmly invite you to walk into this Church that is open for all twenty four hours of the day and all seven days of the week and feel and experience the Divine presence of the Lord amidst the busy surrounding of the city. Many of those who have entered the Doors of this Church have witnessed that they have been able to renew their relationship their Creator and found peace and comfort in their hearts and minds. Therefore our humble prayer is that you too will be able to experience the peace of mind and strength and courage to face the challenges you may encounter in your life. As you enter the Church, take your seat, talk to God in prayer, let God talk to you and talk to others about God outside the Church.
God’s Blessings to you!
Rev. Christie Joseph
Vicar CCG