Our History
FORMATION.
A small dilapidated Methodist Chapel at the present Welisara General Cemetry attracted a handful of worshipers at the evening worship services held once a month. A Methodist minister or a lay preacher came from Colombo to conduct this service. The Superintendent Minister of the Colombo North Circuit of the Methodist Church, Rev. N. W.R. Fernando felt the need to demolish this chapel and have the service elsewhere. He took the initiative to meet the Head of the Anglican, Methodist and Baptist Churches to form a Union Church, and with their approval and blessings Rev. N. W. R. Fernando started this venture, with the assistance of a few Christians in the area of Welisara.
BUILDING and INAUGURATION.
A building was planned in this vacant land at Welisara belonging to the Anglican Church. Rev. E. W. Mendis undertook the construction of the building for Rs 15,000/ although it was estimated to cost Rs20,000/ The foundation stone was laid on the 7th September, 1972 at a service attended by the Heads of Anglican, Methodist and Baptist Churches and other guests and Christians of the area. The building was completed within two months and dedicated on the 5th of November, 1972 by Rt. Rev. C. L. Abeynaike Bishop of Colombo, Rev. G. D. De Silva President of Methodist Church and Rev. Dr. W. G. Wickramasinghe President of Baptist Church. The floor area of the building was 725sqft. On the night before the inauguration an unauthorized name board reading “Methodist Church Welisara” was put up by a group from Totewatte, but after protests to the authorities concerned, it was removed and replaced with “Union Church Welisara” name board.
ADMINISTRATION.
According to the agreement reached by the the heads of three Churches, the Superintendent Minister of the Colombo North Circuit of the Methodist Church would be responsible to the Heads of Churches for the smooth functioning of the Church. The other two ministers of the Anglican and Baptist, appointed to minister, would act as vice chairmen and the other posts in the Committee of Management to be appointed by the worshipers of the Church. This arrangement continued till 1986, and due to certain administrative problems that arose during that period, representations were made to the Heads of Churches and the constitution was amended for the Committee of Management, to be directly responsible to the Heads of Churches, through their representative ministers. These ministers in rotation would hold the post of Chairman for not more than two consecutive years. Also a member could hold a post in the Committee for not more than three consecutive years but reappointed after a lapse of one year. This arrangement has worked out very well and the Committee of Management has been able to make important decisions for this church to grow.
EARLY BEGINNING.
At the very beginning Rev N. W. R. Fernando (Methodist), Rev Gerald de Alwis (Anglican) and Rev F. V. de Alwis Jayasinghe were appointed to minister at this church. The worship services were not held at a fixed time each Sunday and the time had to be adjusted accordingly, as they had to preach in their respective churches. Other lay preachers and ministers were invited to take services on certain Sundays. In June 1974, it was decided to allow Youth for Christ to conduct the worship services on the first Sunday in each month. From mid 1974, the Sunday worship services were fixed for 8.00 am in English and Sinhala. Within two months of the inauguration Rev N. W. R. Fernando was transferred out of the Colombo North Circuit. Despite an appeal by the worshipers of the UCW to cancel his transfer for at least one more year Rev D. K. Wilson was appointed in his place.
YOUTH FOR CHRIST INVOLVEMENT.
At the early stages it was difficult to form a strong youth fellowship. So on the recommendation of Rev Dr. D. K. Wilson, the committee decided to invite the Youth for Christ to start a youth club in the Church and get the youth of the church involved. In early 1974 a YFC club was commenced in the Church under the direction of Area Director Mr. Tony Seneviratne and Mr. Claude Alexander as Club Director in English language. This club was stopped in 1975 and restarted in Sinhala under the Area Director, Rev Brian Blacker. Since June 1974, YFC leaders were preaching on the first Sunday of the month till August 1985, when Mr. Adrian de Visser who directed the club, offered this service to the Dutch Reformed Church and requested for an evening Sinhala service instead. In April 1986’ the Church felt unhappy at the use of the Church building for their activities. However, the Church was willing to cooperate by offering financial assistance for them to put up a separate halo in the same premises. This suggestion was not accepted.
INCLUSION OF DUTCH REFORMED CHURCH.
Dutch Reformed Church Ministers were invited to take 5th Sunday worship Service, since April 1984. At the Annual General Meeting held on 27th April, 1985 it was decided to include DRC into the Church as they were members of National Christian Council. In September 1985, DRC was offered the First Sunday worship service handled by Youth for Christ.
GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT.
One of the most encouraging features is the steady growth of the church numerically and spiritually. Christian believers were drawn by its close proximity to their homes, the warmth of its fellowship, it’s simple forms of worship which were spiritually uplifting and it’s open welcome for participation in its life and work.
Within two years of inauguration of the church, the building was not large enough to accommodate the growing congregation. With the generous support of the Churches concerned and the sacrificial offerings of the believers, the first extension to the building was completed in 1983. Following the policy of meeting the needs of the community, a Special Worship Service in Sinhala was started on Sunday evening with the leadership of Rev Dr. Christy Rosa, whose dedicated service was a source of strength to the Fellowship.
The Church faced the need of a large church building again in 1996 and launched out in faith and prayer to raise funds for this purpose. We record with gratitude that three constituent Churches responded with Rs. 100,000/ and the membership contributed well over Rs. 150,000/. The new building was dedicated on the 25th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service on 8th November, 1997.
With God’s mighty grace believers were adding to the numbers, inspiring and guiding us in our endeavours to make the union Church a vibrant centre for worship. On special occasions the space to accommodate members were difficult. It was very obvious that the Church needed major repair to the roof. Many suggested, with the repair the roof to expand the church. Initially at the AGM of 2006, it was proposed for a church extension. There were two plans that were proposed at the AGM of 2007. There were many technical problems to carry out a total change to the structure. After many discussions in 2008, Plan No 2 was proposed and agreed upon with a majority of 23 votes at a special General Meeting. Due to financial constrains the project was on hold. In 2014 with a total of Rs 4,250,000/ in our fixed deposit, the project was launched with a project cost totaling to Rs 6,750,000/. having God’s mighty hand and His Blessing the project was launched on 3rd May 2014 with the target to complete by 2nd September, 2014. The completion of the roof and demolition of the six big pillars that were on the insides of the Church, were done.We further managed to increase the seating capacity of the Church by a further 40 seats. Not only the church building but a complete new dwelling was given by the power of Almighty, including new furniture, fittings, electrical equipments, new organ and even the landscaping. On the 30th of September 2014, by God’s almighty grace, the service of rededication was held . The service was well represented by all four heads of the church who had continually given their wholehearted co-operation and support. Moreover, we not only had our regular worshipers but also clergy and Christian believers from all over the island and even from overseas.
We praise God for all His wonderful blessings over these years, inspiring and guiding us in our endeavour, to make the Union Church a vibrant centre, for Christian life, worship and witness to His redemptive and reconciling Love. The Holy Spirit is indeed working in our midst providing the enabling power and strength to continue the mission of this Church, nurturing God’s flock.
We give thanks and praise to our Almighty God who has fulfilled the dream of extending his house of worship.