The Christian Reformed Church stands as a testament to centuries of faith and heritage. Rooted in Reformed theology and enriched by history, it serves the local community through worship, teaching, and outreach. The church continues to uphold biblical truth while fostering unity, love, and spiritual growth among its congregation.
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Tucked away in the bustling heart of Colombo stands the Dutch Reformed Church, Maligakande—a church with a story as layered as the city itself. Its journey begins in the mid-19th century, when Pettah, then home to the Dutch Burgher community, grew overcrowded. Families began moving to nearby areas like Maradana and Dematagoda, and with them came the need for places of worship and Christian education. Into this context stepped Mr. Cornelius Dickman, who in 1867 started a Sunday School at his home
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Tucked away in the bustling heart of Colombo stands the Dutch Reformed Church, Maligakande—a church with a story as layered as the city itself. Its journey begins in the mid-19th century, when Pettah, then home to the Dutch Burgher community, grew overcrowded. Families began moving to nearby areas like Maradana and Dematagoda, and with them came the need for places of worship and Christian education. Into this context stepped Mr. Cornelius Dickman, who in 1867 started a Sunday School at his home in Rudd’s Lane. Known affectionately as “Coachy” for ferrying children to services in his coach, he became a pioneer of the Reformed witness in this district.
The Sunday School flourished, drawing more children and families than his home could contain. In 1875, worship shifted to a large room at the Maradana Police Barracks with the approval of the Inspector General of Police. For several years, Dickman was joined by Rev. Burnett of St. Andrew’s Scots Kirk and Mrs. Cochran in this growing ministry. Together, they nurtured a small yet steadfast community of faith until Dickman’s retirement in 1882. Their efforts sowed the seeds of what would become a lasting congregation.
A new chapter unfolded when Mr. Charles Bertram Brodie, who had settled in Dematagoda, took up leadership in 1887. He purchased “Palm House,” which became the hub of ministry. The Sunday School moved there, and soon after, a “Ragged School” was launched to serve underprivileged children. The vision of a permanent place of worship took shape, and in March 1889, the Maligakande Church was completed and dedicated by Rev. G. Brewster.
The years that followed brought steady growth. The church became not only a place of worship but also a center of Christian service, nurturing faith and strengthening bonds within the community. By 1915, Palm House could no longer contain the congregation. Land was purchased on Regent Street, and on 22nd December 1915, a new church was opened. Though worship shifted to Regent Street, Maligakande remained alive with Sunday Schools and outreach. Persistent demand even saw the resumption of evening services in 1921, a testament to its enduring role.
The church marked its milestones with gratitude. Its 50th Anniversary in 1939 was celebrated with a grand thanksgiving and communion service, while the Centenary of the Sunday School in 1967 honored a hundred years of Christian education. Over time, additions like a pipe organ enriched worship, while generations of faithful members ensured that the church stood strong through social and political change.
Beyond its community life, Maligakande carries echoes of deeper history. The very land, once tied to the Kandyan kingdom, took on new meaning under Dutch and later British rule. Its name—“Palace Hill”—remains a reminder of shifting tides of power, now redeemed into a place of prayer and praise. Today, the Dutch Reformed Church in Maligakande remains a living witness to God’s faithfulness. From the humble beginnings of a Sunday School in a private home to a recognized sanctuary of worship, it has nurtured generations in the Reformed faith. Its story is not only one of buildings and milestones but of the enduring light of the Gospel shining in Colombo’s heart.
