It was indeed a surprise when I got to know of the Garrison Church of St. Peter’s, crouching next to its most prestigious Grand Oriental Hotel (GOH) opposite the Colombo Port. From outside it doesn’t look much as it was built in the 1700’s to serve as the Dutch Governor’s mansion which was then taken possession by the British and thus turned into a temple to express their Anglican faith. Being part of the choir at the Cathedral of Christ the Living Saviour indeed gave me the opportunity to sing praises to Him and also in reverence to those of the Sea farers mission at the Church of St. Peter’s. Given its sensitive location, the Church had been effectively sealed off for decades for tourists and non-sailors other than its parishioners. Its sensitive location opposite the harbour, was only accessible via countless checkpoints, thus making it a tedious task to visit this beautiful and peaceful structure.
It is evident that several years of closure has taken its toll on the construction, despite its original beauty remains unaltered. The church interior is absolutely stunning with a high ceiling supported by steel beams. The rich marble floor and the layers of red clay tiles, keeps the interior of the structure cooler providing a calm environment for its starved parishioners. The foundations of the structure are thought to have been dated from the Portuguese era, although the edifice began its functions as an Anglican Church somewhere in 1804, thus making this one of the oldest continuously functioning religious structures in Colombo; making it also an important part of the heritage of Colombo city and evidence of its history. In line with its background as a Garrison Church the, building houses many Military Plaques as well as regimental colours of British regiments (now defunct). Even if you are not of the Anglican faith, the church provides indeed a place to gather your thoughts and a peaceful environment away from the hustle and bustle of its city functions.
Given its port-side location, historically this Church has served as a chapel for sailors. It is known to be the Seafarers church, where the International Mission to the Seafarers maintains its mission next door. Celebrating their 160th Anniversary, this year’s Sea Sunday (every second Sunday in July) befell on a special occasion. Thus it was this occasion that stirred the curiosity on finding more about the Church as well as the Seafares Mission itself.
The Mission to the Seafarers began back in 1830 by the Young Anglican clergyman John Ashley, who was encouraged by his son’s questioning as to where seafarers went to Church[1]. Turning back on his parish appointment he began his ministry in the Bristol Channel, spending 15 years visiting ships anchored awaiting favourable winds, where he held services, providing motivation and taking the church to seaborne devotees who had no opportunity for worship. Thus inspired by this ministry in 1856 the Mission to the Seafarers was officially constituted with mission stations growing in number of British ports and harbours. Soon the ‘Flying Angel’ flag, inspired by the verse in Book of Revelations 14:6 “And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.’ was soaring over stations world-wide, making the ‘the vast parish of the waters’ no longer neglected.
The Mission began its journey in Colombo over 65 years ago, with the Sri Lankan President as its patron and the Arch Bishop of Colombo the President of the Society[2]. It is supported in Sri Lanka by the Ministry of Shipping, Sri Lanka Ports Authority, South Asia Gateway Terminal, Colombo Dockyard Ltd, Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents, Colombo Nautical and Engineering College, Company of Master Mariners, Nautical Institute, National Seafarers Welfare board and International workers Federation as well as the Sister Society Apostleship of the Sea and the British High Commission.
160 years later the mission still flourishes despite facing countless hardships. Extracts from journals of the chaplains over the years provides accounts of insight into their daily work with devout sea borne parishioners and the ever changing waves of the shipping industry. In each port where the Mission was established there would be spiritual welfare freely available to all seafarers regardless of race, colour and creed. The two World Wars placed heavy responsibility upon the Mission where its activities enormously surrounded in ministering to armed forces, and Merchant Navy suffering in ports devastated by air raids. Despite the pressure on the Mission was intense during this era, queues of unemployed seamen outside Flying Angel clubs looking for food, accommodation and care were seldom turned away. Throughout its life the Mission has changed and adjusted with the industry to cater to the needs of seafarers, with now over a network of chaplains, staff and volunteers in over 200 ports world-wide in over 50 Countries catering to the needs of those at Sea. Thus the rich history behind the Church and its current Mission to the Seafarers is indeed a great value to our heritage and culture.
[1] The Mission to Seafarers at 160 by Michael Grey
[2] Leaflet provided during the Mission Service