Church of Christ the Saviour, Maharagama

On the initiation of the CMS missionaries the Pannipitiya Chapel, Maharagama was established. This was followed by the establishment of the CMS School in 1913. For want of a place of worship, part of the school building, was utilized for Christian activities.

With the nationalization of schools in the 1960’s, the Anglican community was deprived of a place of worship. Since no alternative was offered by the government the Anglican community sought permission to join the Methodist Church congregation in Maharagama in line with the United Church concept. Holding an early morning service prior to the Methodist service was commenced. However, difficulties arose in the circumstances in conducting a late morning Sunday school service. Due to the constraints there was a gradually shift to an evening service which was continued in the Methodist Church until 14 July 2013. Nevertheless there was the need at times to move into private homes, occasionally for worship, when the Church premises were not available. Thereby, the spiritual needs of the congregation at large and especially of the children and the youth were not met since the Sunday school and Youth Fellowship activities could not be conducted. The Mother’s Union activities also suffered during the process. In the circumstances a part of the Anglican community, especially those with children moved to other parishes. The dire need of a place of worship arose.

Subsequently, the Pannipitiya Chapel was consecrated as the Church of Christ the Saviour by Bishop Dhiloraj R Canagasabey on 20 July 2013 on the Feast of St. Margaret of Anitioch-Martyr of the 4 century.

(Source: Souvenir of the Consecration of the Church of Christ the Saviour (formerly Pannipitiya Chapel, 20 July, 2013)

While the Anglican community takes pride in their new church, they are thankful and appreciative of the benevolence of the Bishop of Colombo, the Board of Trustees of the Colombo Diocese and the immense contribution made by the Ven. Dr. Reinzie Perera in realizing their dream.

It is expected that the new church will persuade the Anglican community and the children and youth who have moved away to other churches for want of a Sunday school to return to the parish. It is also hoped to resume the activities of the mother’s union and that the fellowship will develop through outreach programmes.