Planters Way of Life Part II - The Church
As the early Tea planters toiled amidst the lush jungles, carving pathways for the burgeoning Coffee and subsequently Tea estates, the presence of a sanctuary held profound significance in their daily lives. Scattered across the verdant hills of Sri Lanka stand churches crafted in the unmistakable British architectural style. Surrounded by sprawling fields of Tea, one might easily mistake these edifices for a quaint corner of the British Isles.
During the Victorian era, the church held sway over every facet of existence, prompting its inevitable establishment in far-flung locales where communities thrived. Among the myriad Churches nestled in the bosom of every tea-growing district, one gem shines particularly bright—a hidden treasure nestled within my cherished haven, Dick Oya.
Christ Church Warleigh rests serenely between the bustling towns of Dick Oya and Norwood, along the path leading to PMD’s spiritual haven, Maskeliya. The meandering road offers vistas of the world's most exquisite tea plantations on one side and the idyllic Castlereigh reservoir on the other.
Dating back to 1878, Christ Church Warleigh was meticulously erected by William Scott, and to this day, it cradles the original bible bestowed upon its consecration in 1879. Step inside, and you'll find yourself amidst the timeless embrace of yesteryear, with the original wooden furnishings, pulpit, and pipe organ still gracing its interior.
The stained glass windows, bearing ethereal depictions of Jesus Christ, were painstakingly crafted and transported uphill by bullock cart, a testament to the devotion of its creators. Preserved behind glass, the original bible serves as a poignant relic of bygone days.
Unlike its counterparts, worshippers are humbly requested to remove their shoes upon entering, preserving the pristine condition of the 140-year-old imported floor tiles from Britain.
Traverse the path to the church door, winding through the hallowed grounds of the cemetery, and pause to peruse the weathered headstones. Each bears witness to the unforgiving trials endured by those who shaped the hill country enterprise. Amidst the somber rows, one is struck by the sobering reality of life's fragility—countless lives cut short by the perils of the environment, from venomous serpents to malaria-laden mosquitoes.
If you ever journey through the western slopes, do not overlook the opportunity to pay homage to this sacred haven—a testament to resilience, faith, and the enduring legacy of those who paved the way for our daily indulgence in the simple pleasure of tea.
Reading headstones at All Saints Church Maskeliya where the average age is 41
