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by Ransiri J. Fernando

With the nation emerging from the darkness of war to the glow of peace the Methodist Church of Sri Lanka has decided to have its annual conference at Kalmunai from 29th August to 3rd September. This is the first time since 1967 that a Methodist Conference is held outside Colombo.

This should pave the way to development of new friendships, better understanding and sharing of fellowship. The brothers and sisters of east who are reputable for hospitable treatment and creating caring friendly relations are making all arrangements to make this year's conference successful and memorable. We sincerely hope that this visit from South to East further enhance the social, religious and cultural ties among all people.

Forgiveness and sacrifice are the acts which would help erase both the memory of war and also prevent its recurrence. Faith, Forgiveness and Love are the chief virtues of Christianity available to mankind to unite and build. Forgiveness according to Christian teaching does not mean ignoring what has been done or putting a false label on an act of evil. It means that the evil act no longer remains as a barrier to the relationship.

The annual conference of the Methodist Church takes stock of the services and ministries affected. At this assembly the work done is assessed and critically analysed. Further the assembly plans out serious positions regarding the work for the future year and methods of execution. This year's conference will be presided over by the president Rev. Noel Fernando. Since taking over the leadership of the church in year 2000 Rev. Fernando has made every endeavour to broaden the social witness of the church thereby bridging the gap between the church and the society. He has tried to open avenues to use new methods to present the gospel and interpret it to the new generation. Yet the task of calling men and women to put Christ first in their lives is still to be achieved. Representations from Britain, Germany, Ireland and South Korea along with other religious leaders will grace the occasion. Rev. Nimal Mendis will continue his good work as secretary.

Kalmunai where the present Methodist Conference is hosted was known as Caravoor up to the beginning of the 20th century. In the year 1840 Rev. Ralph Stott visited the poor peasants and was deeply moved by the simple ways in which they lived. He educated the people by his constant visits and also by translating Christian literature into Sinhala and Tamil. A small society was soon formed and Rev. J. S. Phillips was appointed as the first priest in charge in the year 1847. He had a brief stay at Kalmunai but was responsible for forming an enthusiastic congregation that was able to stay together and pray together. However for eight years this society was without a priest. This was the time that Ceylon experienced a mighty riot against unpopular taxes and oppression. The coffee plantation also crashed owing to a financial crisis. The missionaries that arrived from England had difficulties getting accustomed to the climatic conditions and sickness was so frequent.

The district that suffered most was Trincomalee and Batticaloa.

The society started to flourish from 1869, and a rapid growth was observed. Within five years the number of full members increased to over 100. A school with boarding facilities was built in 1882 for girls and the building of the present church in the same year followed this. Rev. Joseph West was stationed to look after the new church and he worked there successfully for a long period of time. It is heartening to note that the members raised half of the funds that were required to build the church. The society suffered severe losses in 1906 and 1907 on account of sickness and a cyclone.

Six members died of Typhoid fever and the damage to the church and property was very severe. Since 1910 the Kalmunai church became very powerful in all its activities. Evangelism through literature, opening doors of Sunday school to Muslim and Hindu children, formation of women's activities was the features of the outreach of the society. The lay leadership was very loyal and active and that helped to strengthen the activities of the church. Today, Rev. S. D. Thayaselan is in charge of the circuit. He has exerted an excellence influence on the congregation.

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Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
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