Wesley College Colombo
History is philosophy drawn from examples
Dionysius
Contents
Wesley College is named after John Wesley the founder of the Methodist Church.
Wesley was born in Epworth, Lincolnshire,England where his father was Rector. One of nineteen children, he was educated at home by his mother, Susanna, then at Charterhouse before obtaining an exhibition to Christ Church in 1720. He came 'to love the very sight of Oxford'. In the college's Great Hall hangs a copy of Romney's portrait. Elected a Fellow of Lincoln College in 1726, he was ordained priest in 1725 in Christ Church Cathedral, with which he was so familiar as an undergraduate. The rooms in Lincoln traditionally thought to have been Wesley's are situated on the right of the main quadrangle. They were restored in 1928 by the generosity of American Methodists and can be visited by arrangement with the Bursar. Dr V.H.H. Green has recently concluded, however, that Wesley actually occupied rooms on the Turl Street side of chapel Quadrangle. Wesley joined a small undergraduate group led by his brother Charles, who had followed him to Christ Church.
Variously known as the 'Bible Moths', 'the Holy Club', and 'Methodists', they were dedicated to regular (hence 'Methodist') devotions and good works, visiting prisoners almost daily in the Castle and the Bocardo, the debtors' prison. He preached in most of the city churches but is principally associated with St Mary the Virgin, where he preached the University Sermon seven times and from where he was eventually excluded after a sermon on Scriptural christianity in 1744. He left Oxford in 1735 to be chaplian to the English community in Savannah, Georgia. Three years later, at a meeting in Aldersgate Street, London, on 24 May 1738, 'about a quarter before nine', he felt his heart 'strangely warmed'.
This evangelical conversion marked the beginning of his itinerant ministry, largely on horseback, throughout the British Isles. 'I look upon the world as my parish', he wrote, and all is meticulously recorded in his journal. Excluded from most parish churches, Wesley preached in the open air, drawing large and sometimes hostile crowds. He organised his followers into small groups of 'Societies', using the new-found gifts of local people in teaching, administration and preaching.
In 1778 Wesley opened his chapel in City Road, London, and this became the centre of his work. His ordination in Bristol, in 1784, of Richard Whatcoat and Thomas Vazey for work in North America was the decisive act in separating Methodism from the Anglican Church, although Wesley maintained that he lived and died a member of the Church of England. On 14 July 1783, on one of his many visitis to Oxford, he came to the new preaching house in New Inn Hall Street, described by him as 'a lightsome, cheerful place, and well filled with rich and poor, scholars as well as townsmen'. A plaque now marks Oxford's first Methodist Church at Nos 32 and 34. Nearby, the Wesley Methodist Memorial Church continues the tradition.
HISTORY OF METHODISM IN SRI LANKA
Methodism is of British origin. It began as a revival movement within the Church of England in the early 18th century. It constituted part of the greater 'Evangelical Revival' - the religious awakening which took place in many parts of the Protestant world during that century. The Methodist movement was directed by the Rev John Wesley, a Church of England clergyman. To a great extent Methodism retains Wesley's theological emphases and the flexible system of Church order which he developed, and it is therefore necessary to know about his life and work. John Wesley was born on 17 June 1703 in the Lincolnshire village of Epworth where his father, Rev Samuel Wesley was Rector.
The rigorous upbringing under the direction of his remarkably strong-willed mother, Susannah, influenced him profoundly. She gave weekly missionary instruction to her children. Wesley's genius lay in organizing his converts together in groups to confirm the faith of one another, and this is the chief reason why Methodism survives to this day. Wesley disapproved of the trivial and frivolous lives of the rich, but cared deeply for the poor. He lived frugally and gave away a large part of his income. In the winter of 1783, at the age of 81, he went begging from door to door in London on behalf of the starving. Under Wesley, Methodism exercised a humanizing influence over a large section of the British people. He was a pioneer of education. As evangelism grew, an interest in foreign missions was aroused. Wesleyan Methodism was seized by the fervor for foreign missionary work which was characteristic of all Protestant denominations in the late 18th century.
The Methodist leaders came to believe that the spectacular successes seen in England could be repeated throughout the world. The man chiefly responsible for the establishment of Methodist missions, and in particular the mission to Ceylon, was the Rev Dr Thomas Coke. He was a Welshman, born at Brecon in October 1747. He went up to Oxford University as a Gentleman Commoner of Jesus College, and in 1775 he took the Degree of Doctor of Civil Law. He had a large private income - unlike most Methodists - and many influential friends. Coke did not forget Asia though his dream of a mission to India and the East was not to be fulfilled for 30 years. In 1784 he was corresponding on this subject with Mr. Charles Grant, a merchant in Bengal, who later become a Director of the East India Company and a friend of William Wilberforce. In 1806 Coke had several conversations with Dr Claudius Buchanan, and heard his disturbing news about the state of Christianity in Ceylon. In 1809 when William Wilberforce referred Sir Alexander Johnstone to the Wesleyan Methodists, it became clear to Coke that "the first grand outpost of our Mission to India" must be Ceylon.
He began planning to send two missionaries and William Ault and William Harvard both answered his invitation by saying that they were ready to go. When the subject (of the commencement of a mission to Ceylon) was first named in the Conference, many rose to oppose. Mr. Benson, with great vehemence, declared that it would be the ruin of Methodism. The debate was adjourned till the following day. Dr Coke walked down the street, leaning on Mr. Clough's arm, in unutterable agony; the tears flowed down his cheeks, and almost broken-hearted, he retired to his room to pray. Mr. Clough called to enquire for him. The Doctor had not come down from his room. Mr. Clough knocked at the door, and, recognising his voice, Dr Coke asked him to walk in. There he saw the most affecting spectacle. The Doctor had not been in bed, and his disheveled silvery locks showed something of his night's distress. Mr. Clough asked what was the matter. Pointing to the floor, the Doctor said, 'There I have spent hours in pleading with God in behalf of India'. They together went to the Conference. When the subject was resumed, the Doctor delivered a most energetic thrilling address, which produced such an impression, that it was at once moved, seconded, and carried, that the mission should be forthwith commenced. Mr. Barber was either the mover or seconder.
Shortly afterwards, Dr Coke called Mr. Clough out of the Conference, and they went down the street together. With joy beaming in his eye, and a full heart, Dr Coke said, 'Did I not tell you that God would answer prayer' Coke, however, began planning to go to Ceylon with a party of 12 missionaries . The Irish Methodist Conference of June 1813 enthusiastically supported him, and offered him three men out of many who volunteered - James Lynch, (basically all other members of Mr. Lynch's family were Roman Catholics) Goerge Erskine and John McKenny. The party went to London to begin the intensive preparations for departure. The young missionaries were ordained in the Methodist way and took Portuguese lessons from Portuguese Roman Catholic priests. No teacher of Sinhala or Tamil could be found. Historically, Ceylon Methodism began when the first Methodist missionaries landed in Ceylon on 29 June 1814. But it was in 1813, when Dr Thomas Coke wrote those historic words of his, that Ceylon Methodism actually came into being - "I am now dead to Europe and alive to India. God Himself has said to me, 'Go to Ceylon'! I am as convinced of the will of God in this respect as that I breathe - so fully convinced that methinks I would rather be set naked on the coast of Ceylon without clothes and without friends, than not go there".
Conference was moved by this passionate appeal and permission was granted. He offered $ 6,000 from his own savings to meet the financial cost of his mission and soon in the company of younger men - Benjamin Clough, Thomas Squance, William Harvard, William Ault, James Lynch, George Erskine and John Mckenny he was on his way. Dr Coke was in the sixty sixth year of his life when he won approval from the British Conference of 1813 to venture out to Ceylon and Java with the Gospel of God's Redeeming love. His friends did not overlook the fact that it would be a hazardous course for him to undertake so long a voyage and expose himself to the numerous hardships and dangers he would have to encounter. But his ardent zeal overcame their arguments, though it did not diminish their anxiety. In December they made their way to Portsmouth, where Coke preached his farewell sermon on the text, "Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands to God". On 30 December 1813 he sailed from Portsmouth with six younger missionaries. On 3 May 1814 Dr Thomas Coke died and very reverently and with sad and heavy hearts his comrades buried him at sea. His colleagues continued their voyage to Ceylon, with Rev James Lynch, an Irishman, as leader.
Our story would have ended there but for the fact that it was only the frail body of Dr Coke that went down to rest in the ocean bed, while his stout soul went marching on. Dr Thomas Coke's unforeseen death at sea on 3 May 1814 was a grievous personal loss to the six missionaries traveling with him to Ceylon. It took their leader away, and also deprived them of all financial resources. The funds of the Mission were in Dr Coke's name, and although Harvard and Clough searched for three days through the papers in his cabin, they could find no document which authorised them to draw on any of his money. The outlook for the beginning of the Mission was dark indeed. "Now", said Clough, when they realised the gravity of their predicament, "it is all TRUST!" The Captain of the "Cabalva", John Birch, was the first of many true friends who helped the young missionaries both before and after they landed in Ceylon.
When the ships at last reached Bombay on 21 May, after a voyage of twenty weeks, Captain Birch described their situation to Mr. Thomas Money, a British merchant. Harvard and the others were not hopeful, but they were overcome with gratitude when Mr. Money said he would be very happy to advance them money - without securities - to the credit of the Wesleyan Methodist Missionary Society in London. He assured them that he was a firm friend to the cause of Christianity in Asia. Captain Birch also introduced them to Sir Evan Nepean, the Governor of Bombay, who welcomed them no less warmly. He entertained them at his residence, and wrote a special letter about them to the Governor of Ceylon, General Brownrigg. Meanwhile, Mr. Money was arranging for their voyage to Ceylon.
Harvard was advised to remain in Bombay because of his wife's approaching confinement, and did not eventually leave Bombay till the following January. On June 20, James Lynch, William Ault, George Erskine, Thomas Squance and Benjamin Clough set sail in the "Earl Spencer", a ship bound for China. It was a speedy voyage. In fact the gales were so strong that it might have been impossible to go ashore at Galle. Wednesday 29 June 1814 was "a remarkably clear day". The master attendant of Galle harbour, Mr. W C Gibson had received a letter from Mr. Money and was looking out for the arrival of the ship. When he sighted it lying-to three miles off-shore, he sent two boats out to meet it. The first was for Mr. & Mrs Harvard, who were to stay at his own country-house outside the town. The larger boats was for the other five and their baggage. As the Harvards had remained behind in Bombay, Lynch, Squance and Clough decided to go ahead at once in the small boat, leaving Ault and Erskine to follow with the luggage. When the three of them stepped ashore in the evening twilight, they were received by the Master Attendant of the Galle Harbour, Mr W C Gibson and escorted to the 'Kings House' where the Commandant of the Galle Garrison, Rt.Hon Molesworth, welcomed them with the words - "This is all in answer to prayer".
This 'pious nobleman' was a firm supporter of the Mission from its beginning. The Rev George Bisset, the Governor's private secretary was sent from Colombo to bid them welcome to the island and assure them that every facility would be rendered to assist them in their important undertaking. At eight o'clock they became very uneasy, for Ault and Erskine had failed to appear, but Lord Molesworth affirmed that there was no need for alarm. The strong winds and tides often carried boats away from Galle towards Weligama Bay, sixteen miles further east. This explanation turned out to be correct. Next morning he sent two palanquins to Weligama which arrived back at 5.0 p.m. with the missing pair. On Sunday, 3 July 1814, at the Commandant, Lord Molesworth's request the missionaries held their first Service in the Dutch Church, Galle, at which the garrison and nearly all the resident Europeans were present. James Lynch read the liturgy, and Thomas Squance an energetic preacher, whose voice was said to resemble "the sound of a cathedral bell" preached on 2 Corinthians 10:14 "We have come as far as unto you also, in reaching the gospel of Christ".
This became a memorable one. Under the preaching of Rev Thomas Squance, a young Burgher physician, William Alexander Lalmon, offered himself for the Methodist Ministry. He became the first recruit and served faithfully for forty eight years. Lord Molesworth indeed, until his tragic death at sea a year later, proved to be one of their wisest guides and most constant supporters. He was one of many God-fearing men - both Ceylonese and European - who were deeply thankful to see the missionaries commencing their work in this Island. Dr Coke's vision was now realised. After six hazardous and eventful months and a voyage which brought much illness and the deaths of Mrs Ault and Dr Coke, METHODISTS were at last preaching the Gospel in Ceylon, and the MISSION TO ASIA was begun. On Monday, 11 July, the first District Meeting was held at Galle, called by its members 'a conference'.
They deliberated as to whether it was advisable to separate so widely from each other as would be required if the Governor's recommendation was acceded to. But after consideration due to so important a matter, they agreed that Mr. Lynch and Mr. Squance should go to Jaffna; Mr. Ault to Batticaloa; Mr. Erskine to Matara and that Mr. Clough should remain at Galle. They partook of the Lord's Supper together, that they might receive a renewal of divine strength, to fit them for duty and prepare them for trial. The first ministers of the mission who visited Colombo were Messrs Lynch and Squance. The first resident here was Mr. Harvard who was soon afterward followed by Mr. Clough. Ceylon was recognised as a District in the Missioin Field by the Conference of 1815 and James Lynch became the first Chairman. Six more missionaries arrived and shortly afterwards, Daniel John Gogerly the greatest man that Methodism ever gave to Ceylon arrived in 1818. He came as a layman to take up work as printer and press manager. He was ordained in 1823 and became an outstanding scholar.
He was Chairman of the South Ceylon District for twenty four years and died in Ceylon, never once having gone to England on furlough. The missionaries set to work with courage, zeal and faith, living with the people, learning their language and seeking to understand their needs and problems. Poverty, ignorance, disease, vice, prejudice and defiance had confronted them on all sides. Methodism began in the South. The work was spearheaded with the village evangelism and education. Schools and Mission Stations were opened out in the villages, most of which had so far not been touched by the Christian Gospel. In Negombo, the conversion in 1826 of two Roman Catholics, Don Daniel Pereira and his son Daniel Henry, opened the door for Methodism in this Roman Catholic stronghold. From the Western Province, Methodism struck inland into the hill country of the Central and Uva Provinces.
These two Provinces were very backward areas. Uva was a woefully benighted and semi-barbarious region. Samuel Landon broke new ground in Uva, taking to the people education, social reform and medical work, along with the gospel. Our story moves on from the predominantly Sinhala and Buddhist areas to the Hindu areas in the Northern and Eastern provinces. Strong Hindu forces and the iniquitous caste system were the chief opponents to the Christian gospel. In 1883 in the island of Mannar, the Methodist Missionary work was started by Rev E Middleton Weaver and the Rev I S Adams. It was a strongly Roman Catholic area and in 1908, some of the Roman Catholic people became Methodists. Today, there is in Mannar-Murunkan, a strong Methodist community. On matters of public importance, the Church has spoken with authoritative voice. And in national aspirations, it was co-operated without compromise. In the crises that shook the nation's life, the Church stood penitent and prayerful.
Founder of Wesley College, Colombo.
By Shelton Peiris from the 125th Anniversary Souvenir
In a Journey, back in time, to the environs of the dusty noisy Pettah, we go over to the Wesleyan Mission premises in Dam Street, where we find a group of children at the feet of a benign Minister, the Rev. Daniel Henry Pereira. It certainly was no place for a school but in spite of the many difficulties, no doubt inspired by the Lords invitation "suffer the little children to come upto me" This man kept his grace. Rev. Daniel Henry Pereira, born (circa) 1926 was the eldest son of the Rev. Don Daniel Pereira who started life as a young school master and taught in a school built by the Rev. Benjamin Clough. On joining the Ministry he followed deep evangelistic trends.
He
was called " the apostle of Kurana - Negombo ". The Rev. Daniel
Henry Pereira had a younger brother, who was Rev. Peter Bartholomeusz
Pereira. Young Daniel Henry was keenly interested in teaching and
at a very early age took an equally great interest in the snakes
which he studied identifying their species and habits under a famous
South Indian Snake Specialist who reserved no secrets as he instructed
his pupil. Daniel Henry was quick to absorb the life pattern of
these ophidian reptiles. In fact, in later years, he had edited
a catalogue in Sinhala and had contributed to journals. He submitted
papers to the Ceylon friend a journal associated with the Wesleyian
Church. His contribution to these many journals gave rise to research.
He was also an authority on ants in Ceylon. He had great hopes of
being a Scientist but in response to his dying mothers wish, he
entered the Ministry, in 1851. In addition to his knowledge of reptiles,
ants, snails and slugs as a nature scientist he was also proficient
in English, Sinhala and Portuguese.
His fluency and masterly use of these languages kept this congregations spellbound. He had also a knowledge of Hebrew and Greek. He had a brilliant mind displaying itself in lhe clarity of expression. Certainly he would have been on par with the Western Missionaries of evangelistic fervour. He was a pupil of the famed Oriental Scholar, the Rev. Don John Gogerley who was in charge of the Institute of Colombo which was an early "Divinity School". His interest in teaching combined with his parish work and his deep interest in natural science made him eminent. In his Parish work he served in many stations for over 25 years. Moratuwa, then a very large Parish, which he took over from the Rev. G. G. de Zilva saw him work with zest and vigour. He founded an English School at Gorakagaha in Mankada conducting cottage meetings in the homes of those Methodists whilst he resided at Rawattawatte. He contributed largely to the spiritual revival at Moratuwa. When he fell ill his work was taken over by the Rev. Robert Hardy. The school at Dam Street he conducted formed the beginning of Wesley College which was founded on the 2nd March 1874 of which he was the first ever vice Principal with the Rev. Samuel Rowse Wilkin its first Principal. (1874 -1879) who was followed by the Rev. Arthur Shipham (1880 - 1883) with whom Rev. Daniel Henry Pereira works till the latter's retirement.
The Rev. Daniel Henry Pereira's son, William H. D. Pereira, studied at Wesley. He was later an Assistant Accountant in the Colombo Port Commission. On his retirement as a Minister in 1882 he settled down in Hambantota. Though not in the best of health he visited homes and those persons who had surrendered their lives to Christ. They were greatly helped by this erudite, but simple, priest, with his life style, though plain, was rich in the -scriptures and its application. His was a life of deep prayer and faith of wide labour and concern ever with an alert mind. His old friend. Rev. Arthur Shipham who was stationed at Matara, no doubt, may have had communication with each other. The last few months of his life had been a challenge. His health was failing but his discipline and training, his deep reliance on his Saviour had increased his faith. He faced the storm yet on an even keel as he was confined to his home with restricted movement.
A large number of villagers visited him. It was on the 22nd November 1986 that death took him. His was a life that laboured and was well spent in the lords vineyard as 'answering the master's call 'come follow me'. Wesley commemorates the memory of her Founder, the Rev. Daniel Henry Pereira - annually on Founder's Day March 2nd. This is the most important event in the School's calendar. A three storeyed imposing building dedicated to his memory, the " D. H. Pereira Memorial Building" to accommodate the junior school was constructed during the Principalship of Dunstan Fernando No doubt the labours of the Rev. Daniel Henry Perera - servant of God - has accumulated a rich harvest of which we, in this present age, are beneficiaries and no doubt this harvest will be garnered by ages yet unborn.
By Prof J. L. C. Rodrigo
One
of the greatest of the many Principals, men as well as women in
whom our Methodist School's glory was the Revd Henry Highfield.
His birth centenary, as a grateful Custom ordains, is now been g
observed by" the boys of Wesley through the land", and their families
join with them in recalling and extolling the memory of a devoted
teacher, a friend of our people and a Man of God. His was a long
crowded and selfless life. The first thirty years were spent at
Kingswood, Bath. where he was a contemporary of the equally famous
Darrell, also destined for Ceylon, and at London and Cambridge Universities.
There he distinguished himself in Classics and English, did examining
work for London and discovered his mission as a teacher.
At the age thirty he came to Ceylon and Wesley, which he made his home for the next thirty years: in 1925 at the age of sixty he decided the time had come for him to retire and back to England. There was some talk of his being appointed Minister in charge al Kollupitiya, but Kollupitiya is too near Karlsruhe Gardens, and ex-Principals, once hey retire, are wise to make the severance complete. He, therefore. got back to England. Here he continued his service as a diligent Pastor, caring for his people and, with his faithful bicycle to carry him to his work as in Ceylon. That bicycle had made history. It transformed Wesley, metaphorically, from brick to marble, from dust and dilapidation of Dam Street to airy and solid buildings in Karlsrhue Gardens. It was an exhausting form of transport but economical, and it enabled him to go round the country raising funds for new buildings. The Methodist Mission, generous as ever, had promised Rs 5 for every rupee raised locally and thus contributed the major part of the cost, 2 1/2 lakhs for the Rs 38.000 he raised. He adopted a technique which proved fruitful. If a man wrote down Rs 50 on the paper "to pay later" he would ask" and how much can you give me now?" lie might answer "Rs. 10". Highfield would then say "Thanks, I'll take that" and thus, instead of the paper promises, in which we are very lavish, he got spot cash and a lot of it. New building One November day in 1905 the foundation stone was laid and the new building opened in 1907. I remember that ceremony, being taken there by my father. And the crowd of notabilities who were present. Among them was a galaxy of local ministers, the Ferdinandos, the de Silvas the Nonises and the Wickremeratnes, the de Silvas (then as now prominent in the church) the Gogerlys, Pereras, and the Nathaniels, who rejoiced in the more stately mansions. now opening for their children and people.
It is men, however, more than buildings that make a College. Mr. Highfield gathered round him capable teachers, men of personality, prominent among them C.P. Dias, City Father and Lay Reader at Holy Trinity and the spruce. W. E. Mack, whose invaluable assistance he greatly appreciated. But he himself was the greatest among them. He loved teaching and his happiest hours were those he spent with his sixth form, teaching Latin or English (to a select few) Greek which he preferred to everything else. His pupils still enthuse over those carefully planned lessons a passage of Latin or of English neatly displayed of the blackboard before work began then his piercing comments, notes parallels and quotations, written alongside as he went on talking. These scholia he did not wipe off at once, but let them remain after the lessons. The boys copied them out, pondered over them and thus absorbed the distilled wisdom of an inspired and gifted teacher. The question whether he could have spent his time more profitably on administration than on teaching is pointless; the school was well administered for the department: did not meddle and muddle, and the value of the instruction he imparted was exceptional.
Some Pupils Among his pupils were hundreds of eminent men, the one and only Sir Oliver, Sir Mohammed Marcan Marker, legislative and State Councilor, and later Senator, Sir Gerard Wijeyekoon, the first President of the Senate, and Lawyers, but this was characteristic of him that he took more pride in the six or seven Principals of Christian Schools whom Wesley had trained C.P.Thamotheram of Hartley, E.R.De Silva of Richmond, P.H.Nonis of Kingswoodand Wesley , SVO Somanader of Central College Batticaloa, ED Thambimuttu of Christian College Kotte, FN Hettiaratchi of Cathedral College and Terence De Zilwa who had his own school at Dematagoda. These men acquired from Mr. Highfield his skill in teaching. They also took the personal interest in the welfare of the children entrusted to them. Highfield got to know his boys thoroughly, interviewed them on admission, knew their homes and their parents, visited them in sickness and health, helped them in their needs, financial and otherwise, and kept up an active correspondence with them long after they have left Wesley. From the school to the larger world was a natural transition.
He had work enough at Wesley but he took on pastoral duties in the Maradana circuit and preached from pulpits all over the island. Public matters, politics did not leave him cold. He was so troubled in mind during the riots, courageously protected those in trouble. spoke from public platforms and with equal courage wrote a resentful note on the conduct of certain Europeans '"This is not what I was taught at Cambridge as British fairplay" - a statement in those days could have had serious consequences for himself. He anticipated the need for a united Lanka. It was his pride that in Wesley all communities found themselves Muslims a good number , Sinhalese,Tamils and Burghers all worked happily together.They became one fraternal band who learnt to love Wesley and her devoted Principal. The Senior leader who unveiled his portrait was right when he pointed to it as he did the unveiling with the words. . "Behold God's Good Man"
The article first appeared in the Times of Ceylon 21st December 1965
Three hundred days of begging in the tropics
by Rev. Highfield M.A.
Courtesy of The Methodist Synod and transcribed from the 125th Anniversary Souvenir
A Wesleyan minister has to be a man of all work, and begging is a recognised branch of that work; but it is seldom that I he has so completely to subordinate his other duties to that of money getting as was the writer's task in the year just gone by. Wesley College, Colombo, after thirty years of usefulness, amid many drawbacks, was recognised by all to be in danger of falling into the rear and dying for want of adequate buildings. A scheme was set on foot for giving the College a new and healthier and more useful position and better premises. This was one of the many snowballs set a-rolling by the great Twentieth Century Fund. The condition of our getting sufficient help from the Home Committee was that we here in Ceylon (a little island no bigger than Ireland, and with less than four millions of people, seven eights of them non-Christian) should find for this one object, by gifts the large sum of $2,500 (in our money Rs. 37.500/-).
The writer, as Principal of the College, was at the beginning of the year set apart by his brethren to attempt this formidable task of money-raising. The money had to be got very largely from non- Christians who were however appreciative of our higher educational work, and the benefits it offers; never are allowed to forget the fact that this is a means to an end - a very real weapon of Christian propagandism - and so look upon it somewhat suspiciously as the jam which conceals the distasteful pill. One Parsee gentleman intimated that his community would have readily found me Rs. 5,000/-, if only I would admit a conscience clause and allow their boys to study something else during the time of Scripture lesson. Of course his offer was unhesitatingly rejected; and the result is that, at present, the only Parsee gift is one of Rs. 100/- from a doctor who was educated in the College some years ago. The following brief summary of journeying will further prove that the accomplishment of the task was not without the anticipated measure of toil and travel. The plan of complaint was simplicity itself.
The country was not flooded with begging letters, to be thrown aside unheeded into thousands of wastepaper baskets, nor was energy spent in organising bazaars or entertainments; but the whole time was given up to personal visitation and direct face-to-face requests for help. In the first eight months the writer journeyed to and fro, and practically visited all Ceylon. Three thousand miles were traversed by rail, by coach (horse and bullock), or by boat (on canals or round the coast); and in the three hundred days during which the active journeying were kept up, six thousand miles were covered with the help of the bicycle. Very much of the travelling and working had to be done in the midday hours, when the tropical sun has indeed tremendous power. Other perils too - perils of journeying along mountainous roads; perils from robbers; perils from fever, contracted at one time from heat, and at others from chilling rains - all these were graciously reduced to their minimum, and God day by day proved our Guide and our Strength. And now, as the year's toil is over, we are able to rejoice over such a measure of success as assures us that the full amount of our aim will be safely gathered in long before the new buildings are finished, and we even dare to hope that it may all be in hand before a stone is laid! At the close of 1904 $2,000 sterling was actually paid in, and the balance required $300, was fully assured in promises.
This large amount of money has been gathered from all classes of the population. By far the largest share has been contributed, as was only right, by the Ceylonese themselves, but European merchants and tea planters have also given most generously. "Old Boys" of the College and parents of present boys have, of course, contributed more liberally then others, but no petty jealousies of college against college has prevented many who were educated in rival institutions from giving us their help and encouragement. Amongst the largest gifts from Ceylonese, I think I value most that of the Mohammedan "Old Boy" who once said to me, "Sir, you must keep our boys longer in your school. They learn now to read and write and do sums, and then come into our shops; but that is not enough. When we die we cannot take our shops or houses with us - only what is in our minds. Therefore you must keep them longer that they may learn more." This gentleman gave me Rs. 250/- in February; and when I ventured to ask him again, late in September, to help me to make up Rs. 30.000/-, he against gave me Rs. 250/-. Courtesy: Methodist Synod
by the Late Eric Gunasekera J.P. Headmaster (1908 to 1949)
Transcribed from the 125th Anniversary souvenir
One could hardly believe, looking over Pettah, that it was the residential quarter of middle class Sinhalese, Burgher and Muslim families; and that schools such as Wesley, Royal and St.Thomas' began life in surroundings which any modern educationist would condemn for sheer unsuitability. The city's expanding commerce gradually pushed out the early residents and these schools were soon compelled to look for better sites in other parts of Colombo or the suburbs where substantial buildings and spacious playing fields could adequately meet demands of a fast growing school population. But Wesley boys had then to be content with the dingy, ill-ventilated, overcrowded class rooms, where amidst the confused row and roar and bustle of Pettah- a medley of " sound and fury" - a devoted set of simple men, imbued with the ideals which the ancient gums held sacred, strove hard to give of their best in knowledge and example to the pupils who sat at their feet as it were; alive to the fact that from among this motley crowd might rise men of integrity and high ideals, who would play their part as men of affairs, and of whom their Alma Mater could justly be proud.
Our school compound was only suitable for a game of marbles then. A passage in dictation read aloud in a class was very often clearly heard by the clerks at the Kachcheri - so loud had a teacher to read if he wanted to be heard. For games, we had to make a best of what Price Park, the meeting ground of the riffraff of Pettah, had to offer. And yet it proved to be the training ground of some of the bright stars in the firmament of Ceylon cricket. C.E.Perera, who later turned out to be Ceylon's finest right -hand bat, Warish and W.O.Nathanielsz, the ever green S.P-Foenando, who captained Wesley for three successive years, CE's brother C.A., the prolific run- getter, and F.W.Dias gave to Price Park a particular significance. It was Highfield of Wesley who admitted me, two years after he became Principal in 1895. Soon after his arrival Wesley came into the limelight, when, for two successive years the " blue riband" of academic achievement - the University Scholarship- was secured by E.B.Redlich and R.F.Honter. In the field of sport too, and cricket in particular, Wesley made its mark, beating From the very start Highfield's heart was set on moving the College from this uncongenial spot.
And towards 1902 a site was acquired. Five and a half acres at Karlsrhue, the former residence of the great patriot Charles Ambrose Lorensz. Apart from this grand old house of Lorensz, which, in later years, became the Highfield's residence, no other buildings existed to accommodate the School. But it was one man, and one man alone, who set out, with no other aids beside a push bicycle, to traverse the length and breadth of the Island and secure what he wanted from high and low, rich and poor, Christian and non-Christian alike, with relentless toil, patient untiring effort and boundless hope. During these early Pettah days, Highfield had with him a group of loyal men in whom he place his fullest confidence. C.P-Dias, Head Master of Wesley at the time, the great disciplinarian, whom Goldsmiths's famous lines could aptly describe; " A man -severe he was and stem, to view ", nevertheless a most human soul with generous goodwill, never failed to stop and have a word with his pupils as he wended his routine .Way between San Sebastian Hill and Galle Face.
The Dias-Mack-Honter- A.H. de Silva, combination proved tower of strength to Highfield, as though these men had not many academic qualifications or letters behind their names, yet the nobility of nature and deep sense of vocation helped them not only to gain for their pupils scholastic distinction, but gave to Highfield sufficient assurance that he could leave Dias at the helm with these staunch friends to help him, and get on with with his collecting campaign. I may as well recall from those early years which produce " men of grit and industry ", some who later played a prominent part in public life; Sir Mohammed Macan Markar, one of the large numbers of Muslims whose homes clustered around the school, who opened for Wesley with S.P.Foenander against Royal ; Redlich (later Canon)who obtained a second class in Maths at Cambridge, and R.F.Honter, M.A.(Cantab) , who later became Director of Education in Sierra Leone; H.J.V.I. Ekanayake who gifted Wesley our fifty two year old College song; Sir Baron Jayatilaka and Sir Gerard Wijeyakoon. I would like to commend to the younger , generations of Wesley. -Old Boys" the wonderful attachment these Old Boys had and continue to have for their Alma Mater. Karlsrhue, open, airy was a paradise to the pupils of the Pettah institution. For a satisfactory playing field we had to wait.
But we started on the stretch of Campbell Park behind All Saints' Church, then migrated to the marshy patch alongside Baseline Road until we acquired, thanks to P.H.Nonis' (acting Principal) enthusiastic effort, the former Tamil Union Pavilion. Highfield's ability as a teacher bore ample fruit, for the next few years saw some brilliant performances in the academic sphere. S.K.P de Silva (now P de S Kularatne) finished his schooling at Wesley, where Highfield's coaching helped him to annex the University Scholarship. E.F.C. Ludowyk won the this Scholarship later. E.E.Mack did brilliantly in the Cambridge Senior coming first in the world,. He later passed into the Indian Civil Service in 1914 and is now a Judge of the High Court of Madras. W.V-D.Peiris who won an Agricultural Science Scholarship and Justin Labrooy, now Lecturer( later Professor of History) in Ceylon University were two of the best scholars. And Cricket During my 25 years as prefect of Games I must say I have seen some outstanding Cricket Captains at Wesley; A.E,Seneviratne, A.M.Fuard, A.J.Boteju, R.L.Kannangara, P.H.Nonis, A.H.M.Ismail, V.Vandendriesen, and later on H.L van Buuren, J.A.A.Perera and Edmund Dissanayake proved efficient in captaincy and all-round performance. I regret that I cannot refer to so many others who played the game and truly, within this limited space. Our contribution to the public life in this country does not consist merely of a small group of outstanding men in the field of politics. Wesley is proud of a host of others in every walk of life. Among such are those who became Principals of schools- D.B.Jayatilaka, S..V.O.Somanader, P. de S.Kularame, P.H.Nonis, E.R. de Silva, E.D. Tambimuttu, Rev.W.M.PJayatunga,C.P.Tamotheram, F-N.Hettiaratchy and Terence de Zylva; those who entered the judiciary or legal -service - H.J.V.Ekanayake, C.E.de Pinto, K.D. de Silva, W.RAbeyakoon, C.C. Jansz, RC-Loos and J.V.R.Ferdinands who served with distinction on the staff and was an officer in the C.C.B. During the riots of 1915 when some of the Sinhalese Buddhist leaders were imprisoned at Welikade, as "political offenders" Highfield wrote to the then Governor, to give these gentlemen a fair trial or release them forthwith. The letters had the desired effect. All of them were released within a few days.
On another occasion, in the same year, at a College Prize-Giving, he criticised strongly the Government policy and hoped that before the period's history came to be written, this "stain" as he called it, in the British rule would be rubbed out. This utterance affected the school adversely for it lost a neighbouring bit of Crown land, which was given to another school. However, Highfield received a warm invitation to participate in the first Independence day celebration, but unfortunately advancing years prevented him from coming over. Dalby, too, served for a fairly long period and made his own contribution in his inimitable way . Quiet, conscientious, generous in judgement even to a fault, he soon earned for himself the love and respect of all who came to know him. To his and A.H's enterprise we owe the Teacher's Guild of which FJ.Lemphers was made the First President. When World War II came along we had lzzett in charge. Which Old Boy does not remember with a pang the fact that we had to migrate to Carey College when school reopened after the Japanese Raid. Only forty two boys attended. But many months after Wesley migrated to Kittyakara and adjoining houses in Campbell Place, where we struggled to do our best. With Holden, a Missionary stationed in Burma, who came to our rescue and did excellent work under very adverse conditions.
Then Cartman arrived full of youth and vigour and we soon felt he was a man in the best tradition of Highfield. He lost no time ending this period of exile, and soon we were back again in our "dearly beloved home". Only those who knew intimately this great sportsman- the first President of he Public Schools" Cricket Association- could appreciate the contribution he made to Wesley, for though he succeeded in completing Highfield's plan. Of buildings with new extensions, what mattered more was the wonderful tone and spirit of fellowship he brought to bear on the boys and staff alike. As I look back a few problems arise in my mind. I have my misgivings about the growing attitude of scorn for good literature and study of the Classics today. Why do we have to shut ourselves out from the best in the world has to offer in science, literature, etc.. it is my fervent prayer for Wesley that she goes from strength to strength and - "From victory to victory Wesley to the fore."
Editors Note : This article which has been abridged was first published in the Ceylon Observer
Some early recollections of Wesley College - From a Journal of 1907
The institution is under the management of the Wesleyan Mission in Ceylon and was opened for the purpose of higher education on March 2nd 1874, in the premises still occupied in the Pettah adjoining and infact with the Girls' High School enveloping the Pettah Church,the oldest of the Missions Churches in the island, having been built in the year 1815. The first Principal of the College was the Rev.S.R.Wilkin, now engaged in ministerial work in England. Although at first only able to receive a few day scholars, the College rapidly increased in numbers, and for the last ten years has had about five hundred scholars annually. With this number the limit of accommodation has been reached, and the erection of larger premises on another site has become necessary.
In its educative work the College is subject to the Departmental Code of Government and annual inspection by the Government Inspector. It was, during its earlier history, affiliated with the University o{ Calcutta, and a respectable number of its students figure honourably in the records of that Alma Mater. When the Cambridge Local Examinations were established in Ceylon, Wesley College was among the earliest educative institutions to send pupils to undergo these tests, and for the past twenty years some of its scholars have not failed to pass both the Senior and the Junior examinations held annually, while Wesley College students have frequently gained places in the Honours Classes or other distinctions.
It was not till 1896, however, that the Ceylon Government Scholarship first came to the Wesley College ; but since that date that coveted prize has twice fallen to its pupils, and the Gilchrist Scholarship, one of almost equal value, has been won once by an alumnus of this College. In the year 1900 a determined effort was initiated to secure a more suitable locality an superior buildings for the College, and gradually a scheme was formulated, and subsequent adopted by the Governing Committee at Horn by which a great advance in the desire direction was made possible. In 1902 a new site within the municipal limits of the city, purchased.
Here, during the years 1905 and 1907 a very handsome set of college buildings have been erected, having a frontage of over 300 ft, and with dormitory and other accommodation for a hundred resident pupils. The new premises are expected to be fully ready for occupation in January, 1907- To keep pace with the great advance in science study required by the affiliation with London University, chemical laboratories are included in the design of the new buildings.
The College Crest - How it evolved by Shelton Peries
In this note an attempt is made to trace the evolution of the College Crest which has adorned every school boy's exercise books, blazer and nearly every document originating from Wesley College. There appears to be two stages in the development of the crest. The cross and the shells are derived from the Coat of Arms of none other, and indeed quite appropriately from that of John Wesley. On the other hand the origin of the shield of the crest is not known, as it is not featured even in any of the designs of the College of Heraldry.
The
Motto, "Ora et Labora" which is an integral part of the crest was
originated by Rev. Arthur Shipham (1880-1883), and John Dalby, commenting
in a later time said Worship & Prayer are the salt of life. There
is a generally accepted interpretation of the crest. The twelve
(12) shells are symbolic of the journeying Pilgrim, seeking and
searching ahead, with no complacency. One could compare them to
the twelve wandering tribes of Israel. Within the Shield of Faith
is placed the rugged Cross of Sacrifice. This was the first arrangement
which composed Wesley's crest, and included Shipham's motto. It
is not certain when this design of the crest was first introduced,
but it is evident on stationery used by Rev. Henry Highfield. In
our archival section we feature a document of the 1900, on which
this same crest is placed. This same crest is incorporated into
the art frame of the Farewell Scroll presented to Rev. Henry Highfield
by staff and students, on his departure from Wesley in 1925. We
have evidence of the continued use of this crest during Rev. Albert
Hutchinson's time (1925-1928) when he commissioned the Head Baas
- Cornelius - to construct the time hallowed stately chair, used
by Wesley's Principals, and on the back head Is carved the College
crest This chair still adorns the stage of the hallowed College
hall.
It then becomes clear that during the Headship of Rev. John Dalby (1929 - 1934) a further addition was made to the crest, when it was embellished with the scallops circularly fringed around the shield, giving the present form of the shield. Prize books and College exercise books of 1933 have this crest. Thus we see how the crest, a means of readily identifying Wesley has truly a rich inheritance, and Wesleyites of all generations will continue to be inspired by this remarkable crest, and will proudly wear it as the occasion demands.
29th June 1997 - Pioneers of Methodist Education in Ceylon By Prince Casinader
Today marks the 183rd anniversary of the coming of Methodism to Sri Lanka. The scene commences at Portsmouth harbour in England where several passengers are waiting to undergo the rigours of an approximately 7,000 mile Sea Journey to various parts of the East. Most of them are Englishmen waiting to take up jobs as Governors, Magistrates and other Colonial posts in India, Burma and Ceylon with high salaries. But among these passengers in strange contrast is a group of men and women also waiting to embark to Ceylon. They however have no assurances of high salaries, housing and other perks. The leader of this group was Dr. Thomas Coke, Doctor of Civil Laws, a Bachelor of Arts of Oxford and a member of the Judiciary who moved in high circles in England. He at the Liverpool Methodist Conference had pleaded that he be allowed to go to then Ceylon to serve the people there. With tears pouring down his cheeks, thumping the conference table, he said "please allow us to go Ceylon for I am prepared to be even naked once I am set in Ceylon and I am prepared to be there without a single friend." Finally he said that he was quite prepared to spend his savings of 8,000 pounds on this mission.
The Conference stunned into silence granted this old man, described as no longer raven haired and in his sixties, his wish. In this group was a 25 year old lady, wife of Revd. Ault. While our local fishermen were out all night fishing off the coast of Weligama, they saw some ‘White faces’ in a boat trying to come ashore on or about the 28th of June 1814. On arrival they were taken to the then Magistrate’s bungalow at Weligama where the Magistrate was none other than the forebear of our late leader Pieter Keuneman, also a Keuneman. They had left "Bush Hotel" at Portsmouth on December23rd 1813, the team consisting of Dr. Thomas Coke Revs. William Ault, Clough, HowardLynch, Ersaine, Squance and the wife of Revd. Ault. Dr. Coke had high connections with the Lord Chancellor of England Lord Eldon, Lord Liverpool and Lord Addington who, were all his personal friends. But the journey was so tragic that before the ships could reach Ceylon Dr. Coke was found dead while kneeling in his cabin. The second blow was when some time later once again before the ship could reach Ceylon Mrs. Ault died on board and she too had to be buried at sea in her 25th year.
The team had prepared themselves learning Portuguese and Dutch and had brought a printing press with them. On arrival in Ceylon, lots were cast as to which areas of the Island these missionaries were to be posted. Revd. William Ault was to go to Batticaloa and one of the oldest schools in Sri Lanka is Methodist Central College, Batticaloa which he initially founded the same year in 1814 with five pioneer students. In a letter to his mother Revd. Ault writes "With regard to accomodation I am not very pleasantly situated. I scarcely ever see bread. I have been housekeeper nearly two months and the meat had only been two peacocks which had been shot. One was sent to me as a gift and for the other I had to pay. There has scarcely been any rain for two years, The cattle have died and almost a famine is apprehended on this side unless we get rain. I dwell presently in a hut with mud walls thatched with leaves, and I pay a rent of Rs. 10 per month, I have seldom a good night’s rest as the mosquitoes sting and sting very badly. He adds how he gets up very early and learns the language of the place. But within eight months of his arrival, on the 1st of April 1815 , lonely and bereaved with only a Tamil servant standing by him, Ault breathed his last but not before he asked his servant to read a portion from the Bible.
When he died on 1st April 1815 his coffin was carried to the grave by the soldiers of the British garrison and Ault was buried in a tomb in this church and bore a stone inscription. The inscription commemorated the landing of the first Methodist missionaries at Weligama, but it remains uncared for today. One member of this group Revd. Harward established the Wesley Press in Colombo and printed a Sinhala Dictionary and a Pali Grammer. Asia’s Oldest Methodist Church was founded by one in this team, the Revd. Clough and is situated at Pettah. The Mission founded several schools - Wesley College Colombo, Methodist College Colombo, Batticaloa Methodist Central College, Jaffna Methodist Central College, Southlands Galle, Richmond College Galle, Kingswood College Kandy and Newstead Negombo. At a time when we are beginning to awake to the need of Vocational and Technical Education, this mission were pioneers in inaugurating Industrial Schools as at Wellawatte, and even in far away Bintenne in the 1880s. In the early nineteenth century records show Industrial Schools were functioning in Kallar in the East where students underwent a course of training in Brass foundry, Carpentry and Blacksmith’s work and it is stated that more orders were received than the school could cope with.
Wesley College and the Methodist Church- by Verney G B Perera
When the first Methodist Missionaries Arrived in Ceylon in 1814 they found that the Government authorities were only too pleased to allow them to preach and to establish Schools. Governor Brownrigg suggested that they should open Schools to teach English. From the very beginning of the Wesleyan Mission in Ceylon a great deal of money and effort was put into the running of our schools. In 1858 there was increasing pressure for the establishment of High schools at Colombo and Galle. - In 1868 the need for a School like Wesley - an Institution under a thoroughly efficient Principal - was pressed. This agitation bore fruit in. 1873 when the Rev. S. R. Wilkins was sent in order to start Wesley College in the following year, and Wesley was opened in Dam Street, opposite the Kachcheri, in Pettah, on March 2nd 1874. Right from the inception, the Methodist Church has taken a very keen interest and spent. millions of rupees in maintaining Wesley as one of the leading Schools in Colombo. Having had six missionary Principals in the first twenty years, Wesley in 1895 welcomed the Rev. Henry Highfield, who remained as Principal, till 1925.
In 1902 an excellent site of five and a half acres near Campbell Park was purchased by Rev. Highfield who cycled round Ceylon making appeals to Old Boys and others. He alone collected Rs. 38,500 while the Missionary Committee in England sent nearly two lakhs of rupees - five times the amount collected by Rev. Highfield. People see Wesley today and few realize how it came to be built. Yet it is due to the heroic labours of one person, and thousands who have received their training here, are what they are today for that reason, owe it to Rev. Highfield. Rev. Highfleld directed, the activities of Wesley for 30 years and the quality of his work is attested by a succession of boys as distinguished as those of any school in the country. Nearly all these boys came from humble homes, the majority could never have had a higher education but for Wesley. They distinguished themselves in all walks of life.
When the take-over of denominational schools was about to take place, the Methodist Church exercised, the option to keep one Boys' School - Wesley - and one Girls' School - Methodist, out of the Government scheme but allowed, without any protest, the taking over of its other 175 Schools. The Methodist Church has played a very important part in the affairs of Wesley right throughout the past century~ It has provided magnificent buildings and maintained them in a state of good repair. It has provided some of the best educationalist missionaries. It has trained abroad some of our own Ceylonese Principals It has advanced large sums of money to pay the staff It has provided a magnificient board with representatives from. Parent Teachers Association and Staff, to run the school The great aim of Wesley was to give the boys a. substantial education to make them useful members of society, and has rendered yeoman service to the children of all communities, races and creeds, and most. of those who have shone in the different spheres of life are non-Christians. -And these non-Christians remained true to their religion both because of and in spite of being educated in a Christian Institution, like Wesley..
The History of the Wesley College OBU by JCP Wickramanayake
Very little is known of the early history of the Wesley College Old Boys' Union. The earliest available records date from 1928. and whatever information has been gathered - about the period prior to this it from tradition, from the memory of the older Old Boys, or from old Magazines of the school. Tradition has it that the Old Boys' Union of the school was inaugurated on the 1st December 1874, which is the same year as that in which he school was founded. This may appear strange, but it can be explained by the fact that when Wesley College was opened, it took students from the Pettah Methodist School, which would have had students in the highest form and new students would also have been admitted to that form in that year, so that a fair number of students would have left school at the end of that year. Also, the Methodist Church is well known as pioneers in the idea of involving all its members in Church activities, and it is possible that this idea was extended to students in relation to school activities It could, therefore, be surmised that the Methodist Principal, Rev. S. R. Wilkin, who was the first Principal of Wesley College, would have conceived the idea of summoning a meeting of the students who left in the first year to form an Old Boys' Union.
Recently, this claim was challenged by a senior Old Boy who stated that- the Old Boys' Union was formed only in 1910, when the' Rules were passed.; It is possible that both statements arc correct, i.e. that the 'Old boys Union was actually inaugurated in 1874 in an informal ,way, with the school authorities acting' as office bearers to get together Old Boys when occasion demanded it,~ and that' the Union -was formalized only in 1910 when the Rules of the Union were adopted and the. Union elected its own office-bearers. The Old Boys' Union of Wesley College followed the' tradition of all Old Boys' Unions of schools of having the Principal of the school as its President irrespective of whether he was on Old Boy or not.' The Union broke with the tradition in 1935 when a resolution- moved by Mr. V. E. Charavanamuttu was passed at the Annual General Meeting to the effect that the Principal should ex-officio be the Patron of the Union and that the President should be an, Old Boy of the school elected at 'each Annual General Meeting.
The membership of the Union stood at About 300 in 1927 and is about 900 today. Which is perhaps less than 20% of the I number of Old Boys who arc living today. This is admittedly disappointing' and steps are being taken by the present. Members of the Union to increase the membership. The low membership is, however, not an index of the loyalty of Old Boys to their Alma Mater. Old Boys who are nonmembers of the Union have always rallied to calls for assistance to, the school when such calls were made, thus proving 'that the following lines of the school song are not a mere sentiment - "And when Wesley's call shall sound Ready, aye! .shall all be found, In duty and in honour bound One instance of this is the response to the call made in 1951 for contributions towards constructing a new block known as the High field Block" to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the birthday of the late Rev. Henry Highfield who did so much 'for the school, which brought in about Rs. 75,000 from Old Boys. This block of 12 classrooms was completed~ in 1959. We hope and trust that a further example on this will be provided- by the response to the call for contributions to the Centenary Fund and that the response would enable us to reach the target of Rs. I million 'set for the Fund.
The O B. U. owes a debt of gratitude to the many Old Boys who gave their time to serve as office-bearers of the Union. Sir Oliver Goonetilleke, served as 'President Of the Union for the longest period- 19 years -from mid 1940 to 1948, and 1953 to 1963. Mention must. also be made of Mr. P. H. Nonis, our present President, who was the first Old boy Principal of the school, in fact the only one up to now. Mr. J. S Ratnayake Was the first elected Hony. Secretary of the Union after the Rules ~f the Union were adopted in. 1910, and served for a number of years in that capacity. Mr. Terrence de Zylwa had the longest tenure of office as Hony. Secretary-8 years' from 1952 to 1959. The writer himself served in this capacity for' 7 years from 1960 to 1966. - Mr. Edmund Dissanayake served longest as Hony, Treasurer-12 years from 1953 to 1964. Among those who served as Hony. Auditor were Mr. B. L. W. Fernando who later served as Auditor General -of the Island Mention must be made of the benefactors of the O B. U. Among these are Mr. W.H. I ' de Kretser. Who was always ready to contribute most generously towards any activity of the school or the O. B. U. Mr. F. V. H. Labrooy was another. He chose to keep himself aloof but was always interested in tile affairs of the school as of the OBU and was ready to help generously One of his contributions was a payment Of Rs. 100/-to meet the cost of 'entertaining the School Cricket Team and OBU lunch , which he made many times. Mention must also be made of a contribution of Rs. 10,000 to meet the cost of repairs to the school buildings by Dr. N. J. A. Cooray, who served as President of the Union, in 1965, which as the first year in which he served as ~'resident.
The Union has its annual celebrations in the first weekend of March each year. As from 1963 a Founder's Day Service was held in the School Hall on 2nd March each year as part of the celebrations, in !place of the "Re-union" Service which we held in the Wesleyan. Church, Maradana on The Sunday of the week-end up to then. The celebrations include 'Past vs. Present' encounters., at Cricket, Soccer, Hockey and Rugger, 'Old Boys Vs Staff, encounters at Tennis and Bridge, and a lunch in the School and -the Other events are O.B.U. Dinners which are held in one or other of the leading hotels in Colombo and to which eminent persons arc invited. About 15 O.B.U. Dinners have been held. In recent years, a 'Dinner Dance' has taken the place of these Dinners. 3 Dinner Dances have been held. A 'Club Nite' to enable Old Boys to get together more frequently and in a more informal atmosphere was inaugurated -in 1964. This'' activity was given new life in 1968 by the younger Old Boys' and made a regular event on the 1st Saturday or each month. Special events organised 'by the 0. B. U included the construction of the, Highfield Memorial Building in l959, which has been referred to earlier, mainly through the efforts of the late Mr. Terrence de Zylwa who was the then Hony. Secretary~ who almost re-enacted in 1950 what the late Rev. Highfield did in the first decade of the century when he collected almost single-handed a considerable sum of money towards the cost of constructing the main buildings which 'houses the school. Other activities were receptions to old boys or the unveiling of photographs of old boys who achieved some notable success or gained distinction in the various' walks of life, which brought honour to the o school, the feting of teachers who have served 'the school for long periods) and farewells to Principals on their relinquishing their posts. Old Boys gather in strength to watch and encourage present boys at games, especially.
At cricket matches Many Old Boys have been generous 'with gifts of items of equipment for the various sports and feted teams which have achieved marked success in any year. They also help boys who come from less, affluent homes to get The necessary gear for the sport in which they participate. In recent years Old Boys' have provided funds to meet the cost of refreshments served, at Athletics Meets. Old Boys have also donated trophies and prizes at the annual Prize-Giving and Athletic meets. They have also given generous contributions and other assistance whenever calls were made by the school, and have actively supported the school in all fundraising events. A most encouraging feature in recent years is the interest' taken by the younger Old Boys in the affairs of the Union. I close this with .an appeal to the present boys, especially to The more senior among them, to -note that they must consider it their duty, and in fact a privilege to join the OBU. As soon as they find, their feet after they leave' school without waiting to be invited to do so. The Union belongs to Old Boys and 'is run by Old Boys and the influx of younger Old Boys is necessary to keep-it alive and to infuse, new life into it, which is necessary to keep it going as a live force; worthy of the high reputation and standing' ,of the school. There' can be no excuse for not joining the Union as one can always get an application form whatever information one requires from the College.
The British Conference which met in Preston in June 1963 passed the resolution granting autonomy to the Ceylon Church. The Chairman of the Ceylon District was present on the occasion, and received the warm greetings of British Methodism under whose wing the Ceylon Church had come of age.
The Service of Inauguration of the Ceylon Methodist Conference was held on 18 June 1964. The service opened with the singing of the hymn "We come unto our Father's God". During the singing of this hymn, the members of the Ceylon Conference and the delegates from the British Conference entered the church in procession and took their seats in the chancel. Even in this opening act of praise our minds were brought back in thought to the early missionaries and their successors, both Ceylonese and from overseas. "We bring thee Lord the praise they brought, we seek Thee as Thy saints have sought in every generation".
One of the most significant moments in the history of Ceylon Methodism was at this Service when the Rev Dr Frederic Greeves, as the President of the British Methodist Conference, declared that the Methodist Church, Ceylon "is now inaugurated for the purpose of witnessing to the Good News of Jesus Christ and for the spreading of Scriptural Holiness throughout the land and to the ends of the earth". From that moment the Ceylon Church was autonomous!
It has been said that freedom is not being able to do what you like, but it is being able to become what you ought to be. Now that Ceylon Methodism is free, she should seek above all else to become what God means her to be.
The most historic moment in the service was when the President of the British Conference - who up to this point was also the President of the Methodist Church in Ceylon - called upon the persons who had been appointed by the British Conference and the Ceylon Synod, as signatories of the Deed of Foundation of the Ceylon Conference, to come forward and sign. Very appropriately, the signing of the Deed of Foundation was followed by the singing of the Te Deum. After the reading of the Scripture lesson, the President of the British Conference inducted the Rev Frederick Stanley de Silva as the first President of the Conference of the Methodist Church, Ceylon. A very pleasing act followed when the new Ceylon President was robed by three former Chairmen - the Rev S George Mendis, the Rev G Basil Jackson, and the Rev Dr James S Mather. Also one of the most moving acts of worship was the singing of Charles Wesley's great hymn, "Behold the servant of the Lord!" Once more we were made aware of the rich heritage that is ours in the hymns of Charles Wesley.
After a brief service of Holy Communion and the singing of the hymn, "Now let us see Thy beauty Lord", the President, Rev Frederick S De Silva preached the sermon. The President's sermon was titled "In Christ, In Lanka" and for its text Philippians 1:1 - "To all the saints In Christ Jesus, who are at Philippi".
In the course of his sermon he said, "Man's spirit cannot any longer be tied down even to this planet. It could burst the barrier of national cultures and create a world culture of its own. It could discard every religion that has no relevance to the march of history and the developments of science. In all this upsurge of man's spirit, with its concomitant dangers, I can also see the hand of God bringing about His new creation. 'If any man be in Christ, he is a new creation'. To be in Christ is to be caught up in God's purposes to bring about His new creation".
"The finest flower of the Christian life is not only the life of the priest, the sevaka and the sister, but also the life of the parent bringing up his family, the farmer producing food, the clerk and statesman keeping the wheels of society going while they are in Christ".
"The Church is in this land to bring the divine perspective to bear upon everything that happens here. Not because we want to save the Church, but because we want to save 'The Pearl of the Indian Ocean'. We are called to be saints In Christ In Lanka. Let us go forth into the life of our country with our eyes on the Divine compass".
The Conference met in business session on June 20, and after devotions, the Vice President of the British Conference Mr. David Foot Nash inducted Mr. H Watson Peiris as the first Vice President of the Ceylon Conference. Mr. Peiris in his address stressed the Priesthood of all Believers and called upon Methodists to understand its implications. The Deed of Church Order was signed and the Conference entered into a covenant of continuing partnership with the Methodist Missionary Society.
The Methodist Conference is held annually in August at which the Home Church in UK is represented by a delegate.
Remembering
C.A. Lorenz - The first owner of our Principal's bungalow
By Kalasuri Wilfred M. Gunasekera
There
is no personality more dear to the Dutch Burgher community than
C. A. Lorenz who was not only a great representative of his community
but also one whom all the various races of Lanka claimed him as
a distinguished countryman of theirs. In other words Lorenz was
`a profound jurist, a consummate lawyer, a District Judge, an able
and accomplished scholar, a fluent and eloquent speaker and a clever
essayist.' He was also known for his wit and good temper. Lorenz
received his early education at the Colombo Academy (now Royal College)
under the care of Rev. Dr. Barcroft Boake, the then Principal. Lorenz
was bracketed with George Nell in 1857 for the Turner Prize. It
was during his last year in school that Sir Emerson James Tennent,
(1845-1851), the famous historian and the then Colonial Secretary
visited the Academy and found that young Lorenz was not second to
the best taught lads in England. In 1850 he married Eleaner Nell,
the sister of his two literary friends G. F. Nell and Louis Nell.
In 1953 he went to Europe and on his return, Governor Sri Henry
George Ward offered him the post of Acting District Judge of Chilaw
in October 1855. In the following year Sir Henry offered him the
Burgher Seat in the Ceylon Legislative Council which fell vacant
on the appointment of Sri Richard F. Morgan as the District Judge
of Colombo.Right through the seven years in Ceylon's Legislature,
`he never faltered in the fulfilment of his responsible duties,
never betrayed his trust, never showed himself less than equal to
the difficult demands made on him. His clear intellect, his quick
grasp of the intricacies of a problem and his sound knowledge of
the principles of the law slowly won for him a reputation in Council
which few enjoyed to the same degree. It was also said of him that
he never missed a good argument or used a bad one. He began his
compilation of the Law Reports from the first years of his practice
as an advocate. This was issued for three years, thus `providing
for professional men for the first time accessibility to the decisions
of the Supreme Court in leading cases and guidance on important
point of Law.' They were no doubt reports of a masterly character
in which the salient points in cases and the authorities bearing
on them were lucidly presented.
One other important venture he began in 1859 was his paper Ceylon Examiner which first owned by John Selby. Lorenz with H. Dias, James Dunuwila, Charles Ferdinands and James D'Alwis raised this paper as an organ of public opinion. To this paper Lorenz gave of his best, writing in every issue and practically editing it.
``Not only did he raise the `Examiner' to power and influence as an organ of public opinion but he gave to it the higher character of an Educator, teaching through its column the people of his country their rights and their privileges. And if his writings have accomplished nothing else, the confidence and self-reliance which they have infused into the character of his countrymen was no mean achievement.'' We need today such examples to enable us to live a dedicated and a consecrated life for the sake of Sri Lanka. Let me wind up this Essay of a man who in social life was the soul of every gathering who displayed his considerations and affection to all present irrespective of creed, caste, race or class by placing before my readers a tribute of him by Sir Richard Morgan, then officiating Chief Justice of Sri Lanka, on the occasion of unveiling the portrait of Charles Ambrose Lorenz in the Colombo Municipal Council Town Hall, one hundred and twenty three years ago on August 19, 1894.``He was indeed a man of whom his country must well be proud. His versatile genius, his brilliant accomplishments, his public and private virtues endeared him to his friends and commanded the respect and admiration of all who knew him. There was a freshness and a raciness in his writings, a rich vein of wit and humour running through them, and a perspicutary and masculine vigour of style that showed as a great promise in him as a writer as he had then given as a scholar.
Shortly after he gained the profession he entered the list of public journalists. His clear perception of his subjects and close powers of arguments always commanded respect. Whilst the rich vein of fun and humour which ran through his writings secured the attention and delight of his readers. There was hardly any pursuit to which he applied himself in which he did not achieve success, whether we view him as a scholar, a writer, a speaker or a lawyer. Not alone to his friends and dependents were his sympathies and charities extended. He was without exception the brightest ornament in legal circles. It was while in the midst of this bright and useful career-happy himself, and making others around him happy - that he was suddenly stricken down. His unceasing exertions in the exercise of his profession and in his pursuits as a journalist proved a drain upon him which not even his strength naturally great, his spirits ever buoyant, could withstand. His brain and energies were always in a state of tension. From the commencement there was reason to fear that his illness would prove fatal, but he clung to life and after some months of suffering, seemed to rally for a while, and became able to attend to business. Some of the most painful and yet not altogether unpleasing recollections of my life are associated with my interviews with him during the long interval between his illness and death. He used to speak feelingly of his past, the plans he had formed for the future, and his bitter disappointment that he could not live to carry them out. We felt that we have lost a very dear friend, a loss which never could be compensated for or adequately supplied.''
Towards the evening of his short life he purchased a large and airy house in Borella which was later occupied by the then Principal of Wesley College. He called it ``Karlshrue'' meaning ``Charles Rest''. He passed away in this bungalow on August 9, 1871.
A grateful public will remember him and say in one voice:
Out of the storied past, their forms arise
And look friendly glance deep in our eyes,
Into our eyes they came with gentle tread,
Telling us what they did, and what they said.''
Wesley College is named after John Wesley (1703-1791), the founder of the Methodist Church . An Oxford graduate, he was one of the greatest evangelists in the history of the Christian Church. A preacher of great power and an organiser of genius, he founded Methodism in the face of intense opposition and laid the foundations of future world-wide expansion.
Historically,
Ceylon Methodism began when the first Methodist missionaries landed
in Ceylon on 29 June 1814. But it was in 1813, when Dr Thomas Coke
wrote those historic words of his, that Ceylon Methodism actually
came into being -
"I am now dead to Europe and alive to India. God Himself has
said to me, 'Go to Ceylon'! I am as convinced of the will of God
in this respect as that I breathe - so fully convinced that methinks
I would rather be set naked on the coast of Ceylon without clothes
and without friends, than not go there".
Wesley College was started in Dam Street Pettah founded by Rev.Daniel Henry Pereira on the 2nd of March 1874. He was its first vice Principal. Rev. Samuel Rowse Wilkin was its first Principal. Wesley College was moved to its present site in 1907 with the help of the dynamic Rev.Henry Highfield.
Pettah in 1900
The following advertisements appeared in the SATYALANKARAYA, a Ceylon Christian Daily paper
At the time a single copy was 15 cents - Annual subscription Rs.2.50 in the year 1874
Does the Mission House Colpetty still exist ?
Are there any pictures of the old site in Dam Street Pettah?
Please send them by email or snail mail to be included in this site
There is an account of Rev.Samuel Langdon (mentioned below) in the webpage about Teachers
The Boarding like Railway carriages had First and Second class!!
Highfield of Wesley