Negombo, Saint Stephen’s Church is one of the oldest Anglican churches in Sri Lanka. The beautiful mix of Gothic and colonial architecture, paired with its deep ties to the community, makes it a true landmark. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, St. Stephen’s Anglican Church is a place that you must visit whenever you are in Negombo.
The Historical Roots of Saint Stephen’s Church Negombo
To really understand the significance of Saint Stephen’s Church, we need to go back to the 18th century, when Sri Lanka was known as Ceylon. To Ceylon, it was a transitional era from Dutch to British control. By 1815, after the fall of the Kandyan Kingdom, the British had claimed the entire island. During this time, British influence spread across different areas of Sri Lanka, including religion. The Anglican Church, in particular, began to take root.
In 1845, the Anglican Diocese of Colombo was officially established, and James Chapman was appointed the first Anglican bishop of Colombo. Under his guidance, the Anglican community in the region started growing, and plans for new churches across Ceylon, including Negombo, started forming. Saint Stephen’s Church was one of the churches born out of this movement.
The Church’s Foundation and Construction
Fast forward to 1876, and the plans for Saint Stephen’s Church were becoming real. The church site was chosen in an area known as “The Dutch Fort” in Negombo. A Crown grant from Bishop Reginald Stephen Copleston made the construction possible.
Henry Bell, Charles Karlenberg, and Harry Maule F. Finch oversaw the project. By 1877, the church structure was complete, but the doors didn’t officially open immediately. Services began before the formal consecration, with the local community already using the space to gather and worship.
The official consecration ceremony finally took place on 31 July 1887, marking the start of Saint Stephen’s as an active and permanent part of Negombo’s Anglican community.
Consecration and Community Significance of St. Stephen’s Anglican Church
Saint Stephen’s Church’s formal consecration was a special moment for the community. It was marked by the presence of Wesleyans, who had a shared history with Anglicans. The services were conducted in Sinhalese, ensuring that local worshippers felt included and connected.
A particularly memorable moment was the baptism of a Sinhalese woman. Two English women sponsored the baptism.
Over the years, Saint Stephen’s Church has become a central hub for spiritual life in Negombo, regularly hosting masses, prayer services, and religious festivals that draw large crowds. The church is incredibly vibrant during major holidays like Christmas and Easter when the entire community comes together to celebrate. These events turn the church into a lively and warm space filled with music, prayers, and shared meals.
But it’s not just about the big religious days. Throughout the year, Saint Stephen’s serves as a gathering place where people come to worship and connect with each other.
Saint Stephen’s Church sits in the heart of Negombo; as the second-largest city in the Colombo Metropolitan Regional Structural Plan, Negombo carries its own weight in terms of historical and cultural significance; we talked about this in our previous article about the legendary N. S. Godamanna. The church is located about 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) from Katunayake Airport, making it easily accessible for both locals and visitors. It’s just a short drive along the Colombo – Chilaw – Puttalam Road. If you want more details, our ” Ultimate Transportation Guide to Negombo” article might help you.
Architectural Features and Interior Design
When it comes to architecture, Saint Stephen’s Church stands out as a stunning mix of Gothic and colonial styles. High ceilings and towering arches give the building an airy, almost heavenly atmosphere, which is enhanced by the intricate details found throughout the church.
The ornate altars are a real focal point, beautifully crafted to inspire a sense of reverence. Meanwhile, the statues of saints scattered throughout the interior add to the church’s spiritual ambiance, each carrying its own devotion story.
But what really catches the eye are the stained glass windows. These windows, depicting various scenes from the Bible, fill the church with colorful light that dances across the walls, creating an ethereal, almost otherworldly feeling. The spacious interior measures 19.74 by 7.32 meters, giving worshippers plenty of room while still maintaining a sense of intimacy.
Saint Stephen’s Church is open daily from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, giving visitors plenty of time to explore, though for a quieter experience, it’s best to visit outside of mass times. There’s no entry fee, which makes it even more inviting, but donations are appreciated to help maintain the church and support its activities.
If you’re interested, you can also attend daily mass, with special services during major festivals like Christmas and Easter. Photography is allowed, but out of respect for the space and those attending services, it’s better to avoid using flash or being disruptive.
Thanks to the numerous windows, the space is always well-lit, making it feel open and welcoming. On the northern side, the church includes a transept with a vestry for clergy members, and a belfry was added later to complete the architectural masterpiece. So, whenever you travel to Sri Lanka, St. Stephen’s Anglican Church is a must-visit place, especially if you’re in Negombo.
