In 1736 the governor of Ceylon, Gustaaf Willem van Imhoff, sought approval from the Dutch East India Company (Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie or VOC) to demolish the existing church (Kasteel Kerk) within the Colombo Fort and construct a new one on the same site.

The site was also occupied by a small church, which had existed from the earliest period of Dutch occupation, when the Wolvendaal neighbourhood was a quiet suburban parish.

[2] At the dedication there were two governors present, Joan Gideon Loten and his successor Jan Schreuder, together with members of the Council, reverend ministers (Predikants), prominent Burghers and their families.

The floor is paved with granite flagstones (purportedly brought from Holland) interdispersed with engraved tombstones, of those who lie buried within the church or whose remains were relocated from the Kasteel Kerk.

Many famous names of 300-year Sri Lankan history, Dutch, Burgher, Singhalese, Tamil and English, can be found among the gravestones within and outside the church.

From the time of its dedication through to the end of Dutch rule, Wolvendaal was the principal place of worship, although Kasteel Kerk remained the main religious seat for the European and local officials of the VOC, until it was demolished in 1813.