Trinity College Chapel

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The Trinity College Chapel in Kandy, Sri Lanka is unique among churches in Sri Lanka. Situated right below the Principal’s bungalow at Trinity College, Kandy and christened “Holy Trinity Church”, the Chapel is made of stone and its roof is supported by 50 pillars with fine stone carvings displaying beautiful Kandyan craftsmanship. Architecturally, one could see the best of Sinhalese Architecture in it, with designs and carvings similar to those in Polonnaruwa, an ancient capital of Sri Lanka. It was also the first open chapel in the world, whereas all the others of the time were of Gothic type, and it continues to be greatly admired today.

Initial plans for the Chapel were drawn up during the time of one of Trinity's greates principals, the Rev. A.G. Fraser (1904 – 24). The design and the construction work of the chapel was done by Rev. L. J. Gastor, the vice principle at the time. The construction work on the chapel commenced in 1923 soon after the foundation stone was laid.

During construction nearly a 100 craftsman and laborers were employed and in 1929 the side chapel was the first section to be completed. The paintings in the chapel, considered to be exquisite masterpieces, were done by David Paynter. The very first mural was done on the southern wall of the side chapel in 1928. Three others were to follow. These murals help to add credit to the design of the college chapel.

On the 3rd of March 1935 the Chapel of Trinity College was ceremoniously dedicated to the glory of God. Made possible by a combined effort and dedication of hundreds of skilled workman, the Chapel remains an important part of the legacy of Trinity College.

Construction

Although the original foundation stone of the chapel, dated 1922, was laid where the car park, in front of the main hall, now stands it was later moved to the outside wall of the Chapel where it can still be seen today.

The architect of the Chapel was Rev. L.J. Gaster, Fraser’s Vice principal. Another member of the staff, Mr. K.L.B. Tennekoon, supervised building operations.

The stone pillars were handed over to the skillful hands of K. L. Siripala, a famous stone mason at the time to be shaped and carved. Other stone carvers were also brought to Sri Lanka especially for the purpose of carving the pillars for the chapel. The finely crafted pillars were later brought to the site by the use of Elephants. The carvings on the windows of the side of the chapel were done by local craftsmen.

tyle

Gaster and Fraser were pioneers. At the time when most Europeans were content to build churches in their own Gothic style, Gaster and Fraser deliberately went for inspiration to local Sinhalese architecture. Prototypes for the Church are to be found at the Audience Halls at Embekke and the Temple of the Tooth. But in these buildings, as in the Church Gaster designed for the Peradenia Training Colony, the pillars are of Wood. At Trinity, inspired by Anuradhapura, Fraser and Gaster built for eternity.

Pillars

The pillars, fifty in number, are made of granite quarried n Udawattekelle Forest Reserve seven miles away. Some, in the Chancel are built in sections, but most have been carved from Monoliths, which weighted about three tons before carving and had to be dragged up the hill by a couple of Elephants. The first pillars to be erected, those by the Pulpit and the South Entrance, were fully carved before being sent up. The rest were carved at the site of the Chapel.

Each pillar is surmounted by four Pekadas, made of a very tough wood called “Gummalu”. Each Pekada, when viewed from below has been carved to represent an inverted lotus. Many of the beams which the pillars support were also exquisitely carved by local craftsman.

The Side Chapel

The side chapel, entered from the North transept, was named by the Rev. McLeod Campbell “The Chapel of the Light of the World”. It was the first part of the Chapel to be built and was dedicated on 23rd March 1930.

The door and frame are typical Kandyan work. The door and frame are typical Kandyan work. The whole of the south wall of this chapel is covered with an early painting by David Paynter depicting the Mother of James and John making a request to Jesus on behalf of her two sons. The Chapel is primarily rich in stone and wood carving. The screen, the grape and the chalice design on the Alter were both made by local craftsman from Drawings by Gaster. The windows are typical Kandyan, the vertical bars are made of wood and painted with lacquer. The grill on the East was carved locally from a slab of Swedish green marble, like the grills on the Sanctuary of the main Chapel.

The Murals

The four murals were the work of the Sri Lankan artist David Paynter, once a member of the staff. Like the chapel itself, they were revolutionary when conceived they give Biblical Stories a Sri Lankan setting.

a. In the Side Chapel

This was painted in 1928 shortly after the artist had returned from studying in Europe. It conveys something of a lush vegetarian characteristic of parts of Sri Lanka which so impressed him on his return fro Italy. In it, the Mother of James and John kneels before Jesus of Nazareth, who is clothed in a yellow robe, and asks him to give her two sons, standing on either side of Jesus, the chief places in his Kingdom.

b. Above the main Altar

Painted in 1933, David Paynter has set the crucifixion in a mangrove swamp, such as is to be found on the East Coast of Sri Lanka.

c. Above the Pulpit

The mural on the North side, painted in 1957, replaced an earlier one on the same subject. It depicts the parable of the Good Samaritan.

d. Above the Lectern

The mural on the South side, painted in 1965, replaced an earlier one on the same subject, “The Footwashing”.

Related Pages

*Trinity College, Kandy
*Kandy

External links

* [http://www.trinitycollege.lk Trinity College, Kandy Official Web Site]