In 1855, Reverend E. T. Higgins, a missionary and representative of the Diocese of Colombo, came to Haguranketha and proposed that a church be built near the school site.

[4][6] Following his death in 1881, his nephew, Charles Henry de Soysa, donated sufficient funds to complete the construction of a permanent church building,[7] which was furbished with an altar and wooden pews.

[5] Following de Soysa's death in 1890, his wife, Catherine, donated the funds to build and furnish a rectory, to house the church priest.

[4][5] The de Soysa family, whilst Buddhist, were well known for their philanthropic works in the district, financially supporting and establishing hospitals, schools, roads and churches.

In 1826 Jeronis de Soysa, purchased his first estate, 195 ha (482 acres), in Hanguranketha, the first Ceylonese to establish a coffee plantation in the district.