In the heart of Dehiwela stands a church whose story is woven into the fabric of Sri Lanka’s Christian journey. Its roots stretch back to the 17th century, when the Dutch brought the Reformed faith to the island, planting seeds of worship and discipline that would outlast empires. What began as a colonial mission slowly took root as a local movement, with families in Dehiwela gathering to uphold the teachings of Scripture and the Reformed tradition.
The history of the church began in 1908, with a simple but earnest request. A group of believers longed to partake in communion and asked Rev. William Sinclair for help. On 31st May, Rev. Sinclair, joined by Dr. Collin Rodrigo, held the first service at Dr. Rodrigo’s residence, “Carlyn House.” That same day, a Sunday School was established with 26 children under Mr. Linden de Zilwa, marking the beginning of a ministry that would shape countless lives.
In its early days, the Dehiwela church was known as the “Mission Hall” and was under the supervision of the Wolvendaal Consistory. The church grew steadily from a modest cadjan structure built in 1909 into a thriving community that blended worship with education. As numbers increased, land near the Railway Station was secured in 1914, and by 1917 a new hall was built under Rev. Tweed. The dream of permanence was realized in 1927, when the new church building was dedicated—a sanctuary of stability and strength for the Dehiwela faithful. Around the same time, the Women’s Missionary Union was formed, extending the church’s witness to surrounding areas like Wellawatte, combining faith with service.
The church continued to expand its witness in the decades that followed. Sinhalese services were introduced in 1928, opening doors to new believers and marking a milestone in the congregation’s outreach. A weekly Bulletin was introduced in 1953 to strengthen communication and nurture the spiritual growth of the congregation and has continued to be published faithfully to this day in 1979. The spirit of gratitude was evident in the church’s celebrations.
The decades that followed were filled with gratitude and growth. The Golden Jubilee of the Sunday School in 1958 was celebrated with thanksgiving, a reminder of how a small seed of 26 children had blossomed into a ministry shaping hundreds of young lives. In 1977, the congregation gathered again to mark the 50th anniversary of their beloved building. With the objective of serving the community, the Little Lambs Montessori was founded in 1985 and continues to function faithfully, nurturing and educating the children of the community irrespective of their faith—a reflection of the Church’s commitment to love in action.
In 2008, the Centenary of the Dehiwela Church was joyfully commemorated—a milestone that stood as a powerful witness to a century of faithful service, spiritual transformation, and the enduring grace of God in that community. A stained-glass window depicting “Jesus blessing the Children” was sponsored by the Kids Choirs and AF Raymond’s as part of this historic milestone. These anniversaries were not mere dates; they were testimonies of God’s provision and the perseverance of His people.
Over the years, enhancements such as organs, chandeliers, a parish hall, and a bell tower were added—each reflecting God’s provision and the dedication of the members who gave generously of their time and resources. In 1979, outreach expanded further through the establishment of a new Sunday School at Quarry Road, ensuring that the next generation would be nurtured in faith.
From its humble beginnings in a private home to the vibrant community it is today, the Christian Reformed Church in Dehiwela has stood as a beacon of worship, service, and fellowship. It remains a living testimony of God’s faithfulness across generations—rooted in Scripture, committed to the Reformed tradition, and dedicated to serving both its members and the wider community.
