[1][2] On 4 January 1857, Gate Mudaliyar Jeronis de Soysa requested the Bishop of Colombo, James Chapman, seek Governor Henry Ward's approval to demolish the old church building and construct a new church on a 1.5 acres (0.61 ha) adjacent to the cemetery.

[1] On 31 January Governor Ward granted approval for the new church and on 27 December Bishop Chapman laid the foundation stone for the building.

[2] On 18 December 1860 de Soysa transferred the title of the land to the Anglican Church.

Governor Charles Justin MacCarthy and his wife, together with a number of notable Europeans were present at the consecration service.

[2] On 27 December 2010 Sri Lanka Post issued a Rs.5 postal stamp commemorating the 150th anniversary of the church.