Dear Old Thomian/Parent/Well Wisher,
Chapel of the Transfiguration Renovation Project

As you may be aware the 80th anniversary of the consecration of our College Chapel of the Transfiguration was celebrated in February this year. This edifice, towering over the entire campus from the highest point in the College has been a source of inspiration for generations of Thomians both Christian and non Christian since 1927 who have grown from boys to men under its shadow.

When the College was moved to Mount Lavinia by Warden W. A. Stone in 1918 there were only two permanent buildings - the Main Block and the Old Science Laboratory. The cadjan roofed Dining Hall served as a makeshift Chapel for daily services when a partition was put in place for Divine Worship. This situation prevailed until the advent of the Rev. G. M. Withers as Sub Warden. Rev. Withers is said to have gone around Sri Lanka on his battered motor cycle visiting each and every Old Boy to solicit contributions, often not leaving their homes until the Old Boy had pledged a suitable sum! His efforts were tireless and after a long and often arduous journey the Chapel was finally completed due to him his tireless efforts and the generous benefactions of numerous old boys and well wishers in the island and abroad. In February 1927 the new Chapel was consecrated by Bishop Mark R. Carpenter-Garnier and dedicated to the event of the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ, at the invitation of the new Warden Ven. Kenneth Mcpherson. In 1968 Mr. David Paynter completed his captivating masterpiece of the mural depicting the Transfiguration of Christ.

Over these past 80 years the Chapel has continued to be a place where lives have been challenged and transfigured. Synonymous servers with the Chapel have been its many servants - Chaplains, Choir Masters, Organists and Sextons - a number of whom are synonymous not only with the Chapel but with S. Thomas' College as well. Great men such as Canon John Foster, Canon Roy Yin, Fr. Lucian Fernando, Mr. Russell Bartholomeusz contributed immensely to the liturgical and spiritual tradition that has been integral to the Chapel.

As the 80th year is celebrated it has become apparent that a dire need at the present time is the replacing of the 80 year old roof. The leaks due to the decayed roof are causing further problems for the interior of the Chapel and needs urgent attention. Patch up jobs are not advisable or possible. Complete replacement is the only option. The estimated cost is prohibitive amounting to over twelve million rupees. A special team has been invited by the Warden to offer guidance and expertise on the technical aspects and The Special Events Team has been asked to spearhead the fund raising effort

The funds will be mainly raised by showcasing Thomian schoolboys and Old Boys talents in song, music and drama. These will be unique opportunities for the entire extended Thomian community including parents and well wishers to experience high quality entertainment and thereby contribute towards the Chapel Renovation Fund. The Fund raising initiatives will be many and will be spread out over a period of months leading up to Old Boys week in 2008. A special website, linked to the main College website, will be set up on the date of the launch of our Fund raising initiatives on 19th June, 2007. Overseas Old Boys can participate and link up with our activities as well as contribute funding through the Payment Gateway that will be set up. 

As in the past, the College needs you! We receive no funding from outside sources in Sri Lanka or abroad. The call, therefore, is to the entire Thomian community here and abroad to rally round and contribute so that future generations too can benefit from College just as her sons of the past have done.

Esto Perpetua!