All Saints Church, Galle

The first CMS missionaries landed in Galle in 1818. The ministry to the Garrison in Galle, which was already there when the missionaries arrived, was performed by the Colonial Chaplains. In the absence of the Anglican Church the Chaplain used the Dutch Reformed Church where he had service twice a month. It is said that in 1821, the missionaries at Baddegama undertook in the absence of the Government Chaplain to perform the duties of the Garrison and continued to do so till June, 1823 when they were relieved by the arrival of Rev. Norman Garstin. Until 1871 the services were held in the Dutch Reformed Church.

The earliest reference to All Saint’s Church records thus. “The first proceedings at a General Meeting of members of the Church of England at Galle was held at the Queen’s House on Tuesday 16 December 1862 to consider the desirability of erecting a Church at the Fort of Galle. This meeting was convened with the Lord Bishop of Colombo having opened the meeting.”

On 30 October 1868, the foundation stone of the new Church, to be called “All Saint’s,” was laid by Piers Calverly Calughton, Second Bishop of Colombo. This historical event took place at half-past four in the morning.

All Saint’s Church was consecrated on 21 February 1871. Clergy who assisted Bishop Claughton at the ceremony were the Rev. Dr. G.J. Schrader, Rev. Beven, Rev. Alcock and Rev. Marks.

The architecture of All saint’s Church is the finest specimen of an English Church in 13 century Architecture in Sri Lanka. Another stone Gothic Church, All Saint’s Galle was built under the inspiration and guidance of scholar and poet Archdeacon G.J. Schrader perhaps the most beautiful Church in Ceylon.

The Church is not a mere work of stone, also local Kabuk has been utilized for the building.

 The design of the proposed Church was prepared by Mr. R.C. Carpenter, who also designed the cathedral, and modified by Rev. Brooke Bailey to suit local conditions.