Historic Nuwara Eliya Church that the Queen visited is 170 years

The Holy Trinity Church in Nuwara Eliya is celebrating its 170th anniversary today with a special service of thanksgiving this morning at 9.

Construction work on the church was completed in 1852 by the members of the local garrison of the 15th Regiment under the supervision of Major James Bunker and the church was consecrated by Bishop James Chapman in the same year.

Since past members of the Hill Club, Nuwara Eliya, are buried in the church graveyard, there is much interest shown by the club in the maintenance work of the churchyard and the garden.

Along with the exodus of British planters after independence there were foreseeable changes taking place in the clubs and churches mostly to the strict rules that had been in place to safeguard the interests and traditions of the British.

One significant change was dispensing with the ‘seat holder system’ . Today, people from all walks of life, from any community can worship in this church, side by side.

The pipe organ which is still in use at the church was donated by two Garrison officers. Two of their grandchildren who are RÁF officers have been coming over to Sri Lanka periodically to carry out maintenance work on the organ at their own cost and expense. The antique pipe organ still plays beautifully. Mrs Loos who was a Roman Cathólic played the organ for many years and today, a few interested young worshippers carry on the tradition.

During her last visit to Sri Lanka, Queen Elizabeth II visited the Holy Trinity Church and the beautiful stained glass window she gifted in memory of her visit was installed in the side chapel.

A lively Tamil congregation functions alongside the English/ Sinhalese congregation and a united tri-lingual service is held every month.

The Vicar of the Church is Rev. Charles David.

Brian Perera