About Us - Founder of Holy Emmanuel Church

• Founder of Holy Emmanuel Church
• Church History
• The Consecration of Holy Emmanuel Church
• 1st Chaplain Rev. Abraham Mendis – 1861 to 1883

Gate Mudaliyar Jeronis de Soysa

Gate Mudaliyar Jeronis de Soysa was born on 19th April 1797. While still in his childhood he was dedicated to the Buddhist priesthood by his parents Joseph Soysa and Francisca Peiris. He commenced his education from his young days at a Buddhist temple in Moratuwa. He devoted his time mainly to the study of medicine and astrology and was interested in the study of comparative religion. Well versed in the “Healing art” and as a medical man, he practiced his profession purely on altruistic motives and not with the object of personal enrichment. It was by sheer dint of hard work, business acumen and astuteness that Jeronis de Soysa built up his fortune, which was so generously utilized for humane and benevolent purposes.

Jeronis de Soysa was closely associated with the Revd. William Oakley, who was a C. M. S Missionary, and it was the latter’s missionary zeal which prompted Jeronis de Soysa to accept the Christian faith with his entire family. It was partly in commemoration of this event and also as a manifestation of his thankfulness for Divine blessings that he embarked on the erection of an Anglican Church for Moratuwa.

Then he was called to his eternal rest at the age of 65 on 28th May 1862. The vast concourse of officials and others, who were present to pay their last respects, bore ample testimony to his popularity and munificence.