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A Service of Thanksgiving to commemorate the Sesquicentennial Anniversary of Trinity College was held at the College Chapel on 17thof January 2022, the College Founders’ Day. The service commenced at 8.00 am with a Procession led by the College National Drum and Dance Troupe. The choir rendered “Holy Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!” as the Processional Hymn and this was followed by the Bidding Prayer by the Chaplain, Rev. Shelton Samadanam. The Principal, Rev. Araliya Jayasundara OSB, then reflected on “The Founders and Foundations of Trinity,” recalling with gratitude the Commitment to God and Service to Man by a group of most remarkable men and women who were here before us. He noted that “Trinity was not built in a day, neither its traditions nor its buildings,” harkening back to 150 years of excellence at Trinity. The Bible Reading, Epistle and Gospel were read by the Co-Vice Principal, Vice Principal and Principal, respectively. The Presiding Bishop of the Church of Ceylon and the Bishop of Kurunagala, Rt. Rev. Keerthisiri Fernando presided over the Solemn Thanksgiving Service and the Bishop of Colombo Rt. Rev. Dushantha Rodrigo delivered the sermon. In his opening words, he said that the day was exceptionally auspicious as, apart from marking the 150th Anniversary of the founding of Trinity College, it was a Poya Day, and the day also marked the consecration of the new Bishop of Kandy. Prayers of the People were delivered by several members of the Staff and the Senior Prefect, Dulara Alawattegema, following which the greeting of peace was led by the Bishop of Kurunegala, Rt. Rev. Keerthisiri Fernando. An Offertory procession representing the different activities of the College then took place. Following Holy Communion, the Hallelujah chorus, final prayers and blessings and the Recessional, the Thanksgiving Service to mark the Sesquicentennial Anniversary of Trinity College was concluded.
This appeal goes out to our Old Boys, former Staff Members, Members of the extended Trinity family and Well-wishers. The College is in urgent need of pre-1990 colour photographs of the Murals. The College has recently undertaken a big project to restore and protect the valuable David Paynter Murals in the Chapel and such photographs will be of immense value to the Conservator of the Murals. Please be kind enough to pass around this message amongst your friends and contacts. Pictures of the murals would greatly help in restoring the paintings with the highest possible degree of success. Kindly forward scanned images of photographs that may be available to [email protected] With blessings, Rev. Fr. Araliya Jayasundara OSBPrincipal
The year was 1966, and a day scholar who sang treble in the Choir and had arrived early for the 6.30 pm practice was standing by the main entrance to the Trinity College Chapel when a man who could not have been more than 15 years his senior, climbed up the steps to the Chapel, bade him good evening, and exchanged a few pleasantries. Once practice began, Mr. Brown who at the time was the Choir Master, invited this young man to the Choir stalls. The choristers, out of curiosity, watched as he walked in with a slight limp. Mr. Brown introduced him as the soon-to-be Choirmaster of Trinity College Kandy. His name was Ronald Thangiah. Ronnie, as he was fondly known, was an affable and charismatic young character who had joined Trinity College merely to take up a job but he soon fell in love with the Chapel and the homely welcoming environment of the school. As an Old Boy of S. Thomas’ his consistent teasing of the school was soon gotten accustomed to. Mr. Ronnie Thangiah, who was a passionate, versatile musician, was suitable to be the Choirmaster to resume Maj. Gordon Burrows’ work at Trinity College. Besides training the Choir, as an outstanding hockey player at S. Thomas’ College, he was invited to be coach and acting Master-in-charge of Hockey for the under- 13 and under 15 teams of Trinity shortly after his arrival. Mr. Thangiah’s post as MIC was temporary. But even through the course of his old age, his love for the sport of hockey remained unchanged. In addition, Mr. Thangiah was also House-Master of Alison and a drama fanatic, producing plays for the Choir to perform including cast members like Lt. Col. Leonard de Alwis who was a chorister at the time. His enthusiasm for drama played a vital role in Trinity’s Centenary Celebrations when the Choir performed a 3-night show of the famous West Side Story. He was also in charge of the TCLA at one point. This combination of roles committed him to the life of Trinity—one that could never be forgotten. In addition to the Choir and hockey, his contribution to the forming of the Glee club was also an important part of his life at Trinity which then led to the beginning of Middle School singing groups. Mr. Thangiah also worked closely with the Principal Mr. C. J. Oorloff as the Principal’s Secretary and continued most of his work after Principal Oorloff left in 1967. Mr. Thangiah was remembered fondly specially during Choir trips when he would strum his guitar and sing many classical and popular tunes in his gravelly voice. His ability to play by ear came in handy and the boys would sing their hearts out with cheek-to-cheek smiles. Though the room was filled with the unbearable deafening tones of hoarse voices from all over from singing for hours, it brought out the little children in them and livened up the room with ecstatic energy and fun. His deep love for Trinity brought a new sense of passion and excitement into the Choir, and the bond he shared with his fellow choristers did not stop at the end of Choir Practice but also in the bus rides with some of his choristers in the initial years. Next to S. Thomas’ Mount Lavinia, he considered Trinity as his second home especially after he was appointed Alison House Master and lived in the quarters attached to the dorm with his family. Mr. Thangiah loved the community life that living on the premises provided, and he became especially attached to the Chapel as Choirmaster. The brotherhood in the boarding drew him to spend his time with the boarders. Mr. Thangiah’s life at Trinity was a complete and full one, experiencing every part of college. His love for Trinity grew so deep, that he composed the “The School on the Hill” to express it, as it so wonderfully does, all-encompassing “Trinity” in one scene. The Choir performed it at the farewell of another icon of Trinity, Mr. G.Y. Sahayam. The Choir continues to sing it at the end of its last practice of a Term. As many might remember him, Mr. Thangiah was faithful to where he was called to serve. He never hesitated to speak up for what was right, so much so, he was known to walk up to the principal’s bungalow to make his point if participation at Chapel events was neglected. This he did not forget to teach the Choristers. He was one of the rare stalwarts who upheld good traditions and passed them on to the next generation. He taught not only singing and music to the boys, he taught them life! Joining School in 1966 and leaving in 1973 and rejoining later in 1986 to serve 27 years, Mr. Ronnie Thangiah had his last practice at the Chapel, at the end of September 2006. As a chorister recalls: “It was his last day of practice, I’m not sure what we would have practiced, but afterward we went to our usual spot by the pond, had chocolate cake and sang “Stand by me”. Then he said goodbye and walked out to his car and left. And we cried.” Mr. Thangiah had a special place in his heart for the Choir and the choristers; they held each other in a mutual respect. He is well remembered as a person who cared for and helped the choristers in every way he could. In the later years, he would go out of his way to drop choristers who had no transport after Choir Practice. His home was always a welcoming place where many a chorister would go to seek his counsel. Naturally, bringing the Choir to a high standard with an enjoyable array of music was his mission, but he considered the time he spent with these young boys as the highlight and the most beloved moments for him. He was a fascinating musician, mentor, and a friend to
In 1924, when Rev. J. Mcleod Campbell was installed as the Principal of Trinity, there was a ceremonial procession around the Kandy town. Such is the importance of the Installation ceremony of a Principal for the Trinity community. On Friday, 25th of September 2020 Reverend Father Araliya Jayasundara OSB was appointed as the new Principal of Trinity College, Kandy at an Installation Service held at the College Chapel. Due to the Covid safety regulations, the College had to restrict the congregation to a limited number. However, this gave the opportunity for the College to ‘live stream’ the service on YouTube for everyone to join and participate in this sacred celebration. The service commenced at 8.30am with members of the Servers’ Guild leading the way. The Metropolitan’s Commissary and Vicar General of the Diocese of Colombo Rt. Rev. Dhiloraj Canagasabey, Bishop of Kurunegala Rt. Rev. Keerthisiri Fernando, the Chaplain Rev. Sanath Madagamgoda and Rev. Fr. Araliya Jayasundara OSB all joined the procession from the West entrance of the Chapel, while the College choir and the congregation sang the hymn, ‘Praise to the lord, the Almighty the King of creation’. The Chaplain led the Bidding prayer, and Invitation to confession which was followed by the Kyries sung by the choir. The second Congregational hymn, ‘Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord’ was sung, followed by the Collect read by Brother Lionel. The Senior Prefect, Master Abhishek Anandakumara had the privilege of reading from a writing by Rev. A. G. Fraser (1908). We have quoted the entire reading below: We believe that a Christian College should aim not at examination results as the highest thing but at the all-round character of the boys who are to be the citizens of the future. In sports, esprit de corps and good sportsmanship are taught. In our College, by adapting the system of Prefects or Monitors, we seek to train up men who are not afraid of responsibility, who, because they are trusted, learn to hate a lie, and who are loyal. The honour and character of the College are in the hands of its fellows. The boy is not all body, he has a mind, and not only in school and college do we work for efficiency, but in debating societies, in classroom and lecture hall we discuss social and political problems and duties with our students. The boy has not only a body and mind, he has a spirit—himself—and through school, college and sports we get to know him, with one object in view, so to present Jesus Christ to him, that he may see in Him the truest type of manhood, the One who came and lived among men, that He might draw all men to Him. We know that our labour is not in vain—many have heard His call, and have obeyed—some to suffer persecution for His sake. Many too are realising that they are to be the messengers of His love to their own people, that the hope of India and Ceylon is Jesus Christ.’ The congregation joined by the Choir sang the hymn, ‘Fight the good fight with all thy might’ followed by the Gospel (St. John, Chapter 15) read by the Co-vice Principal Mr Ananda Marasinghe, after which the Bishop of Kurunegala delivered his message. The most important part of the service, the Installation was led by Rt. Rev. Dhiloraj Canagasabey. Rev. Fr. Araliya Jayasundara was presented to the Bishop by a member of the Board of Governors, after which the Bishop proceeded with the Installation. The choir sang the Invocation of the Holy Spirit, Veni Creator Spiritus while everyone knelt and prayed in silence. Metropolitan’s Commissary and Vicar General of the Diocese of Colombo, together with the Bishop of Kurunegala then anointed the Principal with blessed oil, took his hands and installed him in office, saying: I do install you Father Araliya Jayasundara to be Principal of Trinity College, Kandy in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Rt. Rev. Dhiloraj Canagasabey Then the Vice Principal, Co-Vice principal, Head Masters, a member of the Academic staff, a member of Administration, a member of the Support Staff, and the Senior Prefect – a group representing the entire College – came in front and welcomed the new Principal. The Greeting of Peace was done by the Bishop of Kurunegala, followed by the Intercessions led by the Vice Principal and the congregation joined in singing the hymn, ‘Our Father by whose servants’. The Bishop of Kurunegala then did the final Blessing. The service came to an end with the final hymn, ‘The hand, O God, has guided’ sung during the Recessional. The congregation then congratulated the new Principal and joined for a fellowship breakfast at the Chapel lawn. We thank all administration, academic and support staff members and students who assisted in every possible way for this service to be a success and the congregation for participating in the service. A special mention should be made of the members of the Media Unit who did the very first live stream at the Chapel very successfully. We greatly appreciate the hard work of Theekshana Uduweriya (Main camera console), Chamath Bandara (Live stream console), Akmal Fareekdeen (Handheld camera), Janidu De Alwis (West entrance camera), Fadil Fazil (Right side nave), Rageeshan Chandrasekaran (Left side nave), Thambara Basnayake and Damith Pathirana. We also thank Mr Joseph Marrriyasoosei, the sexton, who tirelessly worked to ensure the readiness of the Chapel for the service, and the Chaplain Rev. Sanath Madagamgoda and the Chapel Wardens for making all arrangements for the service. The recording of the live stream can be viewed below or at https://youtu.be/hwQp7DsETHI
Built along the lines of Sri Lankan and Kandyan architecture and dedicated to the service of God in 1935, the Trinity College Chapel stands in a serene environment of the School. The Chapel is known to be one of the finest architectural undertakings in contemporary Sri Lanka. The murals done by David Paynter on the walls of the Chapel are regarded as unique examples of Christian art in Asia, painted as they are on the bare surface of the granite walls. Local scenery and local models were used to depict Biblical stories in order to give them an indigenous character and validity. The mural “Are Ye Able” was painted in 1928,“The Crucifixion” in 1933. (the backdrop for the crucifixion is a location in north eastern Sri Lanka near Trincomalee),“The Good Samaritan” in 1957, (replacing an earlier version on the same subject), and “Jesus Washing the Disciples’ Feet” was painted in 1965 (replacing an earlier version). It would be of interest to note that David Paynter, an old boy of Trinity, was a pioneer creator of a Sri Lankan idiom in what was essentially a Western art form The monumental work of architecture in the Chapel was exemplified by Paynter’s work on the murals, “an European world view rooted in the vernacular of the land”. He was a respected sportsman, having boxed and played rugby. When he returned to Trinity in 1925 to work on the murals, he also taught art, coached school sports teams, and indulged his fancy for theatricals; he spent school vacations under canvas in the jungles painting. Restorations done in 1954 and 1990s In 1954 the original corrugated zinc roof sheets were replaced with calicut tiles., During the course of the re-roofing, the murals above the pulpit and lectern were badly damaged. Paynter subsequently repainted these murals, completing the work in 1957. The same murals were re-touched by Stanley Kirinde in the 1990’s. Present condition of the murals Due to the murals being open to the elements for many years, they are in dire need of restoration. The paintings have suffered from several agents of deterioration: rainwater and contaminants being the main culprits. The impact of light or visible radiation and ultra-violet radiation is greater on the front murals, compared to the Crucifixion mural and the one inside the Side Chapel. The dissociation of paint particles is considered to be another cause for the deterioration of the murals. Whitish lines in a rectangular grid (corresponding to the stone block dimensions) are now clearly visible on the murals. It is estimated that within the next 90 years, this deterioration, if left unarrested, will escalate to the extent that the murals may not be visible. We believe a full restoration of the murals would help these paintings to last longer physically and aesthetically at the Chapel. Proposed conservation treatments The College is planning to tackle the deterioration of the murals in the following manner: Building – roof repair Structural – stone support related Surface – paint surface and varnish related The civil work in connection with the roof repair has already been completed and the result is currently under observation. Old boys and well wishes who wish to be a part of this restoration project are welcome to write to [email protected] for further information.
“Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty! Early in the Morning our song shall rise to thee. Holy, Holy, Holy! Merciful and Mighty! God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!” -Reginald Heber (1783 -1826) You will hear the sound of the organ playing the opening line of the hymn typically on a Sunday morning, or on this occasion, on a Monday – with the pealing of the chapel bell. A few young boys line up in series behind the processional cross, nervously waiting to officially be a part of the sacramental Body of Christ, as the Lord Bishop confirms them as members of the Church. This festive Monday is brimmed with fathomless waters of truth which is naked yet shrouded with our incomprehension. Trinity Sunday is the Sunday after Pentecost. The Church calendar stipulate this day for the congregation and clergy to set forth their attention to the Whole entity of GOD – The Triune God – God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit, three persons yet one God. This doctrine certainly is commonly reckoned to be deep waters that we have so imperceptibly sailed into. The doctrine of the Holy Trinity is very often treated very much as Einstein’s Theory of Relativity is treated, as if it were a theory generally acknowledged to be true, but so difficult and recondite that its exposition must be left to theological experts. Or, even worse, the Trinitarian doctrine is sometimes treated with faint derision, as if it were a complicated and unnecessary piece of theological pedantry invented by some ecclesiastical back-room boys in order to bewilder the honest man in the pew. This word “Trinity” has a cosmic deep unerring description of the very nature of God the creator, the redeemer and the sanctifier. Why then would our forefathers name the Kandy Collegiate school as – Trinity College? Clearly, the naming of a school evokes passion and interest and is, in and of itself, an opportunity for education. Naming schools after worthy people keeps their names alive for people who otherwise might never hear of them. For example, we can see a lot of Christian schools are named after a Saint or person who would be a great example for all who pass through the gates of that Institution. Then, what example does the name Trinity hold for its students? What is the buried example that has got lost in history? It shows that every past or present, young or old, student or teacher has a venerated obligation of representing the very whole entity of God. Trinity College has been built on the foundation of the Christian faith, to raise outstanding citizens regardless of race or religion that reflects the character of Christ, shining forth a light as a blessing to all. Indeed, its forefathers bearing great risk and a great vision have tirelessly laboured to bring the immeasurable and most coveted blessings of an incomparable experience, to the body mind and spirit of all who passed through the gates of this great school. The school unveils the significance of the Triune God, the diversity and the community. Each of the three is different from the other yet they are of one being that loves each other. While a college is meant to be a very diverse community, the thought of Trinity brings everyone together without the deprivation of their individual identities while keeping good communion with each other. Over the years Trinity College has stood with the true nature of the Trinitarian doctrine, a community that upholds diversity and acceptance as one family. Trinity Monday itself has been espoused to bring together the whole community in celebration representing divergent characteristics of the College, where even important events of the school has taken place with it, such as the opening of the Alison Building by Mrs Fraser. The whole school community transmogrifies around the chapel (or more zealously remembered as the “heart of the school”) that represents these Godly values. The Triune God and its Christian identity is shown through the symbolism of the College crest and it should be revered as much as a clergyman reveres his sacred vestments as it represents to put on Christ. The Three Crowns in the shield, adopted from the Oxford University crest, symbolize the Triune God – The Holy Trinity; God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit whose name the school bears. The Cross in the shield signifies the way to the crowns – God. The Kandyan Lion above the shield represents the people of Sri Lanka. With great benediction the school and the chapel (Holy Trinity Church) bearing the very name of the Triune God finds it fitting to thank and praise God as we enter the season of Trinity in the Church calendar. As we return to the early Monday morning where our song rises to the Trinitarian God with splendid threefold proclamation of HOLY! HOLY! HOLY! The Church feast begins. A Church feast is an important day in the church calendar, with the Bishop as the main celebrant in the Eucharistic Service that is often joined with the Confirmation Service where the congregation gives thanks to God for all who has laboured for the building up of the Church. The Church feast of The Holy Trinity Church is traditionally celebrated on Trinity Sunday, but with its correlation with the College that bears the name of God, it seems felicitous to have the annual Bishop’s visit to the College linked with the Church feast. There wouldn’t be a day more appropriate to give grateful thanks to God for his servants who obeyed the divine calling for a mission in Sri Lanka on the following Monday – Trinity Monday. “Holy, Holy, Holy! Merciful and Mighty! God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!”
It seems to be the natural thing that we remember the lives of people on their deaths or memorials. Ten years have gone by since the death of Mr Barnabas Alexander. But the life he left behind still continues. When Barnabas Alexander of Trinity College, Kandy died on December 15 2009 he was in his home, listening to his electronic Bible. He was steadfast in his Christian beliefs and maintained his daily routine in an orderly manner. Mr Alexander was blind. He had lost his sight in his childhood due to an accident. In spite of this at no time did he allow himself to be limited by this handicap. Being an accomplished musician he played the piano, organ, cello, and guitar by memorizing the music notes written in Braille. He learnt music from Mrs Ellen Jorden and Mrs C. Ekanayaka while studying at the Ratmalana School for the Blind. He joined Trinity College in 1961 as a telephone operator in response to an invitation by Mr C. J. Oorlorf, then Principal of Trinity College and also Manager of the School for the Blind. There were three things that struck those who met Mr Alexander: that he single-handedly manned the school telephone switchboard, that he was a markedly musical person, and that he was blind. He would greet telephone callers with the words “Good morning, Trinity College” or “Good afternoon, Trinity College”. He would recognize voices years later, and startled callers by addressing them by their name. Trinity students typically encountered him through his great gift for music. Those of us who began in the junior school remember seeing him being escorted to the lower school hall for the weekly singing class. Upper school students heard him at the piano at morning assembly, when he played charming background music until it was time for the assembly to commence. Countless students at Trinity learned to sing the school song, the School Hymn and the National Anthem, thanks to Mr Alexander. Those in the school choir had the privilege of being accompanied by Mr Alexander. His dedicated playing on the chapel organ was an integral part of the regular Sunday services and of weekday morning worship. For several generations of students and those who prayed at the Trinity Chapel, the invitation to worship came with two distinct sounds: the pealing of the chapel bell and the strains of the chapel organ, with Mr Alexander at the keyboard. From his first days at Trinity, Mr Alexander lived in quarters on the school premises. Students will recall holding him by his hand and escorting him from the school office and up several steps to his room near the Ryde Boarding House. In his room, he would accommodate requests from students to play the piano or to listen to the commentary for international Test cricket matches on his radio. We discovered that his disability did not matter in the least in our dealings with him; the fact that he was blind taught us to think positively about the blind. Around 1980, Mr Alexander married Sujatha, who had partial vision, and she moved into his new living quarters, just above Ryde House. They were a devoted couple, and she was a dedicated spouse and a gracious hostess. Her demise in November 2008 was a devastating blow to her husband. Although he recovered his stride, it was partial. Those close to him sensed he was pining for her, right to the end. For those who had a closer association with Mr Alexander, it was a lesson in life. He was a great conversation maker. It was amazing how he kept in touch with the world around him mostly by listening to his radio. BBC World Service was one of his favourites. He had a well tuned sense for what was right and wrong and always showed by example the meaning of duty, responsibility and commitment. He believed in certain standards of conduct, and bristled with indignation when formalities were breached or courtesies not followed. Above all, going beyond his genial demeanour, the cheerfulness that he extended in his life, even after having lost his sight, filled many with wonder. Even in his final year of life, the Chapel and the Organ was inseparable from Mr Alexander. Such was his attachment to the Chapel and music. During the final months of his life he once came on a Saturday evening to play for the Sunday morning service and returned to the hospital where he was admitted. Choristers used to bring him in a wheelchair, carry him to the organ stool where he played till his fingers could move no more. The spirit and desire to play the organ even with his continuously failing physical being was inextinguishable. Those who knew Mr Alexander will miss him. He was a landmark individual in the school. We have only to think about the music he played to bring back wonderful memories of the school chapel; its murals, pillars and carvings; its picturesque surroundings; the distant Hantane by day, and the glow of candles at dusk at the Carol Service. When he finally bade goodbye to life, he left whatever the worldly wealth he had in a scholarship fund for the students of Trinity. Mr Alexander was lovingly remembered at this year’s Carol Service. The service booklet carried a small article and the Choir paid its tribute by singing ‘Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring’, one of the pieces he used to play often. We all make a LIVING by what we get. But we make a LIFE by what we give. It could well be, that life may have not given a good deal to Barnabas Alexander; but most definitely Barnabas Alexander gave back to life a lot more than he got from it. Ananda Abayaratna and Lasantha Tennekoon
The spirit of sharing at Christmas The Carol Service of Trinity College, Kandy is an event much looked forward to by many every year. The story of the Carol Service, to see how it has come to be what it is today, is fascinating. The most striking aspect is that the basic tradition of the Carol Service has remained the same and holds its place as one of the longest preserved traditional events of the school. The earliest records of the Carol Service go back to 1935 – the year that the Trinity College Chapel was consecrated. The service was held on the second Sunday of Advent. With six readings and eight carols held during school hours in the morning, it had probably been very much an event confined to the school boys and staff. Presumably, having the service during school hours signified the end of another year at College. This was also the retirement year of Canon John McLeod Campbell. Trinity’s spirit of sharing is seen from the early years itself where from 1936 to 1939 contribution for ‘The Evelyn Nurseries’ was requested, although a collection was not taken. From the early 1940s, the Service had started taking a more regular and standard format with efforts made to make it more meaningful, and has been held in the evenings. The Choir had been under the care of Ms Valesca Reimann during those years. The Christmas Gospel It was in 1946 the present format of the order was introduced and had the inclusion of seven lessons for the Carol service with John’s Gospel read as the “Christmas Gospel” for the final reading, with a collection taken in aid of Evelyn Nurseries. And, the symbolic procession of moving from the West door to the Chancel – “Darkness to Light” – was introduced in this year. The lessons from that order also showed similarity with the lessons of the tradition of the “Nine lessons”. 1946 was the first year of Major Gordon Burrows as Choirmaster. This tradition continued to progress through the years with ‘House of Joy Thalawa’ included in the sharing of the collection taken at the Service. In 1949 the Carol Service consisted of nine lessons. With the reader of each lesson mentioned, the order started with a Chorister as the First Reader and ended with the Priest. Interestingly, in this year the service order impressed upon the congregation that it was not a concert but a service. 1950 is marked as the year when the Bishop of the diocese started reading the Christmas Gospel at the Carol Service. The Trinity College Choir under the leadership of Gordon Burrows had been heard on Radio Ceylon numerous times. However, the Carol Service of December 10th, 1950, the Choir had the honour of being broadcast over the World Service of the BBC. Great songs of Christendom The following year, in 1951, the Carol Service was unique. It was held at the College Main Hall, probably as the records suggest of repairs to the Chapel during that time. This service also had only two Readings and twelve Carols for the congregation – the highest ever. This obviously highlights the persevering attempts of Gordon Burrows to get the congregation to actively sing. While the 1952 Carol Service also took place in the Main Hall, the Chapel renovations were finally completed, and the 1953 Carol Service was conducted at the Chapel. With a reading by an Old Boy introduced to the service order in 1954, the service commenced with the solo for the processional hymn ‘Once in Royal David’s City’ with the Choir entering from the West door, which continues today. This year the sharing list of the collection was extended to ‘The Paynter Children’s Home’ Nuwara Eliya. A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols The first traditional “Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols” was in 1958 for which reportedly a very large congregation of about a thousand people joined wholeheartedly in the singing. It is recoded that it was truly an act of corporate worship in a beautiful setting, with thanks to the many persons who helped in preparation and conduct of the service, not least to Mr Burrows and the Choir. As the tradition of “Nine Lessons” got rooted and popular, more officials from the school began to get involved, so much so the readings for the service had to be shared by two persons. And the service was later repeated in the Cathedral Church of Christ the King, Kurunegala by invitation of the Bishop on the 11th of December. The collection from both these services amounted to about Rs. 750 (a significant amount in 1961) and was divided equally between the Children’s Home, Nuwara Eliya and the Evelyn Nurseries. With the departure of Mr Burrows in 1963 the year ended with the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, with many lamenting his absence at the Chapel. And, in 1964 a few additions were made to the repertoire of carols sung by the Choir with the introduction of a Sinhala and Tamil Carol to the service. The service also included a lesson read by a visitor. This reading alternates with the lesson read by an Old Boy. No Carols without Bach There is a popular adage among the Choristers “No Carols without Bach”, meaning that a piece by J S Bach always in the service. This seems to have got firmly established in the 1960’s and continued over the years. During the mid ’60s the service consisted of compositions by contemporary/modern composers with nine lessons. The 1969 Carol service began with the dedication of the John McLeod Campbell Bell tower which was under construction for some years. Through the following decade the Carol Service continued to be an attractive event at the end of the year. For most people it became the “season starter”. Compositions by Choristers and arrangements by the Choirmasters were featured. The 1978 Carol service consisted of the most number of carols sung, with 22 carols in total and
Inspiration, planning and designing The inspiration from circa 1100 AD Rev Gaster and Rev Fraser were nothing if not pioneers. At a time when most Europeans were content to build churches in their own Gothic style, Gaster and Fraser were more inspired by the local Sinhalese architecture. Prototypes for this Chapel can be found in the audience halls of at Embekke and Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. The difference is that the pillars of these buildings are of wood. At Trinity, inspired by ancient buildings in Anuradhapura, Fraser and Gaster built for Eternity. Putting pen to paper: the inspiration germinates into a plan Inspired by Sri Lanka’s exquisite architecture of stone buildings, blue prints were arranged to construct a Chapel of stone pillars. The plan develops into general perspectives Gaster’s drawings allowed for a flat ceiling, like that to be seen in the chancel, and galleries for Choir and organ. Financial and engineering considerations made it difficult for this work to be carried out. Some indeed like the soaring Kandyan roof as it is! Craftsmanship, transporting and construction “The rock face had to be split with human muscle power aided by steel wedges, sledgehammers, and crowbars, as blasting would have merely shattered the rock into pieces.” The fifty four pillars are made of granite quarried in Aruppola, 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) away. Some, in the chancel, are built in sections, but most have been hewn out of single blocks (5.5 metres (18 ft) long and 0.9 metres (3.0 ft) square), each of which weighing about 3 metric tons (3.0 t) before carving. The blocks were then hauled up to the college on a trolley by a pair of elephants. The first pillars to be erected, those by the pulpit and the south entrance, were fully carved at the quarry before being transported. The remainder were carved at the site of the chapel. “The blocks were hauled by two elephants, one pulling and one pushing, for a distance of three miles to the school premises; and then another three hundred feet up the slope of the hill to the Chapel site” “Actual constructions commenced in 1923 and according to the plans drawn up, the building had to be constructed in granite stone of grey colour from ground level to the top level of the pillars and walls.” Above the pillars that were carved by local and South Indian craftsmen are the pillar heads. The sawn timber had to be turned into shape by skilful carpenters and wood carvers who did the exquisite carvings of the Pekadas, Pekada beams, doors and window frames in the chapel.” The Murals by David Paynter “Are ye Able” mural found inside the side chapel was painted in 1928, shortly after David Paynter had returned from studying art in Europe. It conveys something of a lush vegetarian characteristic of parts of Sri Lanka which so impressed him on his return from Italy. “The Crucifixion” mural located above the altar was painted in 1933. Paynter has set the crucifixion, with a beardless Christ on a cross. The backdrop for the crucifixion is a location in north eastern part of Sri Lanka near Trincomalee; the hills of Sri Lanka are too green to suggest the loneliness and desolation of that first Good Friday. The mural of the “Good Samaritan” located above the pulpit was painted in 1957, replacing an earlier version on the same subject. “The washing of the feet” mural was painted in 1965, replaced an earlier one on the same subject that was damaged when the roof of the chapel was replaced. It depicts a building of simple Kandyan design with Sri Lankan countryside behind. Interestingly, all the faces (other than that of Jesus himself) were modelled on members of the Trinity staff at the time. Consecration of the Side Chapel and the Chapel The side chapel, entered from the North transept, was named by Macleod Campbell as “The Chapel of the Light of the World”. It was the first part of the Chapel to be built. The side chapel was dedicated on 23rd March 1930. Then the governor, Herbert Stanley was also present at this occasion. The Chapel was formally dedicated on 3rd March 1935. For those readers who wish to view a larger collection of photographs of the Chapel: Colour photos of the College Chapel: https://www.flickr.com/photos/trinitycollegekandy/albums/72157684182912622 Monochrome captures of the College Chapel: https://www.flickr.com/photos/trinitycollegekandy/albums/72157698372875624 Read more about the Trinity College Chapel: The John Mcleod Campbell tower and the 359 year old bell – https://trinitycollege.lk/2019/04/30/the-john-mcleod-campbell-tower-and-the-359-year-old-bell/ ‘A meeting of cultures’ by Ranil Bibile – https://trinitycollege.lk/2019/01/17/a-meeting-of-cultures-the-chapel-of-trinity-college-kandy/ Coats of arms on the pillars – https://trinitycollege.lk/2017/11/07/coats-of-arms-on-the-pillars-of-the-holy-trinity-chapel/ Chapel events and news – https://trinitycollege.lk/chapel/
