209th METHODIST DAY & Methodist Central College Day (29.06.1814-2023)

Methodists in Sri Lanka celebrate the 29th of June as ‘Methodist Day’. It is to commemorate the arrival of the first Methodist missionaries from England. It was on this day the team of the first Methodist missionaries set foot on Sri Lankan soil in 1814. Every year, almost every circuit or society of the Methodist Church in this country organizes special worships and other events to mark the historical significance of this day. The birth of Methodism in Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) paved way for many a social change as it was inspired by its founder John Wesley who had been instrumental in creating a great social impact in his country during his time by the power of God. Historians say that “Methodist revival has saved England from horrors similar to those which overtook France in the last decade of the eighteenth century”.

In the Ceylonese society the Methodist movement has played a major role in the civilizing of the local communities in the 19th century. 177 schools were established island wide and also many medical facilities. Methodist Central College is one of the schools funded by the methodist mission in 1814. The illiterate communities were reached out without any disparity of race, religion, caste, language etc. Through basic education people received the light of knowledge to understand the world around them better. Medical facilities served them to come out of their superstitious beliefs and get cured of their illnesses. As such, the Methodist Church in Ceylon was not just another denomination that nurtured Christian faith but also an agent for social changes.

The team of the first missionaries that set out to Ceylon on 31st Dec 1813 was led by Rev.Dr.Thomas Coke who had been one of the closest assistants of John Wesley. Others in the team were Harvard, Clough, Lynch, Erskine, Squance and Ault. It was God’s will that Dr.Coke did not reach his destination but died and buried at sea after 4 months of journey. Mrs. Ault too, though very young, suffered from a critical illness and died during the journey. The rest of the team, strengthened in their faith by the Holy Spirit in spite of all the hardships, reached the Indian shores at Bombay on 21st May 1814. Leaving Mr and Mrs Harvard there, the others sailed to Ceylon and landed at the southern shores on 29th June.

On the 11th of July 1814, the 5 of them had a meeting which is mentioned in history as the ‘little conference’, prayed, submitted themselves to the will of God and decided on their stations for ministry by lot. Accordingly, Lynch and Squance went to Jaffna, Ault to Batticaloa, Clough to Galle and Erskine to Matara.

Methodist Central College was established in 1814 by Rev. William Ault, who traveled to Batticaloa. After 209 years of service to its citizens, it is still standing today. Another year has passed since the fulfillment of Rev. Ault's dream. 

This sacrificial history is remembered at the special worships and other events conducted by the Methodist Church gratefully and prayerfully on the 29th of June. Thus the facts are conveyed from generation to generation. All praise and glory be to God!

Content Source - Rev. David Thayaseelan
Edited by – PPA Website Admin