Holy Trinity Church of Nuwara Eliya

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Tucked away in Sri Lanka’s cool hill country, the Holy Trinity Church in Nuwara Eliya is a quiet reminder of the British colonial era. With over 170 years of history, this charming Anglican church holds many fascinating stories within its stone walls.

The Church’s Beginnings

The church’s story dates back to 1837, initially planned to serve the European community in Nuwara Eliya. Locals even called it “the White Man’s Cemetery.” On May 5, 1845, influential clergy and colonial officers met to specifically plan a new church for the growing British population. Captain Nelson of the Royal Engineers designed it, and Major James Brunker oversaw its construction, with much of the labor coming from soldiers of the 15th Regiment.

Although planning was quick, building took seven years. Bishop James Chapman officially dedicated the church on February 24, 1852. Interestingly, Rev. Hermann Randall von Dadelszen, one of the initial planners, had already served as the first vicar from 1843 to 1846.

In late 19th century Cumming (1892, p. 201) describes this church as a “Pretty little cruciform church and the peaceful churchyard lie in a pleasant sheltered corner, surrounded by rhododendrons, daturas, and other flowering – shrubs , and overshadowed by one grand old tree with a gnarled twisted stem , such as one sometimes sees in miniature on very rank heather. ”

Growth and Expansion

By the late 1800s, as more people joined the congregation, discussions began about making the church bigger. While some wanted a new church near the cemetery, most agreed to expand the existing one. The enlargement happened in 1889. You can still tell the old parts from the new by looking at the different supports (corbels) for the roof beams. (Rajaratnam, 2002)

Restoring the Old Pipe Organ

In 2001, the church’s pipe organ, which was over a century old and had been silent for more than 30 years, was carefully brought back to life. This restoration cost about half a million rupees and brought its grand sound back to worship services and other events.

Stories in Stone Memorials

Inside Holy Trinity Church, you’ll find memorial plaques honoring important figures from the colonial past. These include Dr. G. Gardner (head of the Royal Botanical Gardens), Captain William Fisher (who died in a horse-riding accident and was the father of Lord John Fisher), Reginald Beauchamp Downall (a tea planter and politician), and Lady Carolina Ridgeway (wife of a former Governor of Ceylon).

Outside, in the churchyard, there are historic tombstones for people like Lady Olive Mary Caldecott, wife of Sir Andrew Caldecott (the last British Governor of Ceylon), and members of Sir Samuel Baker’s family. Looking at these graves, it’s clear that about 8% of those buried there died around the average age of 30. (Rajaratnam, 2002, Abeyawardhana, 2004)

A Must-Visit Colonial Landmark

Architecturally, the church stands out with its conical roof rising above the trees in the churchyard, visible from a distance. The magnificent, colorful stained-glass windows are still original and intact today. The church itself was built with solid rock and features richly paneled floorboards that are still preserved.

After the British left, a Board of Trustees now manages the church.

References

Abeyawardhana, H. A. P. (2004). Heritage of Kandurata: Major natural, cultural, and historic sites. Kandurata Development Bank, in association with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
Cumming, G. (1892). Two Happy Years in Ceylon (Vols. 1–2). William Blackwood and Sons.
Rajaratnam, P. (2002, March 3). Holy Trinity Church Nuwara Eliya celebrates 150 years. Sunday Observer. Retrieved May 23, 2025, from https://archives.sundayobserver.lk/2002/03/03/fea14.html

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