 |
|
| Religion | Christianity, Anglican Church of Ceylon |
|---|---|
| Personal | |
| Born | 1902 Chilaw, Sri Lanka |
| Died | 1968 Madampe, Sri Lanka |
| Senior posting | |
| Based in | Sri Lanka |
| Title | Rural Dean of Colombo |
| Period in office | 1950s-1960s |
| Religious career | |
| Ordination | 1926 |
| Previous post | Vicar of St.Luke's Church Borella (1929-1954) |
Canon Hector Vernon Ivan Seneviratne Corea was a highly respected clergyman of the Church of Ceylon.
Contents |
Born in Chilaw, Ceylon, he was the son of Dr. James Ernest Corea.He was educated at Royal College in Colombo. He joined the clergy of the Anglican Church of Ceylon in 1926, an early posting was at St.Philip's Church in Kurana, Katunayake. Having spent several years in the priesthood, Reverend Corea was appointed Chaplain to the Bishop of Colombo. He was also made a Canon of the Cathedral Church of Christ in his sacerdotal silver jubilee.In the 1960s Canon Corea was appointed Rural Dean of Colombo, for the Church of Ceylon.
He was Vicar of St.Luke's Church Borella for over 25 years.(1929-1954) Canon Ivan Corea and his wife Ouida Corea, played a key role in re-building St.Luke's Church - the edifice was designed by Canon Corea including the designs on each pillar,the octagonal tower of the Sanctuary,the doors and windows including all decorative motifs within the Church in Borella.The tablet for the extension was laid on October 17 1938 by the Commisary of the Bishop of Colombo, Ven. F.L.Beven.
Archdeacon Beven wrote about the architecture of St.Luke's Church, Borella: 'It is an example how an unattractive old Church, which needs re-building, can be re-built in stages, with functional structure for all liturgical needs, in Sinhalese style, and provide attractive exterior and interior in a Church.' [1]
The Church celebrated its Diamond Jubilee during the time of Reverend Ivan Corea.[2] The Bishop of Colombo, Bishop Horsley, consecrated the Church on the day of its diamond jubilee on June 30 1941.This was a time of great revival and several missionary activities took place at St.Luke's Church, Borella. The church attracted a huge congregation, one of the largest in Colombo, hence the need for the extension.
Church historian, Kumudu Amarasingham, writing in Lanka Library notes:The church launched several missionary activities and social service projects in the Wanathamulla area and with the Rodiya community in Narahenpita. Women and girls were taught needlework at the sewing classes. There was a night school at which the boys were taught English.A few years later girls were given nursing classes by the St. John’s Ambulance Brigade which helped them to find employment as nurses and aides in the hospitals. The Bible teachers were very active and Dr. Abraham Perera and his wife built a residence for them. There were Missions of Revival and Healing.The Healing Mission of Bishop Dr. Pakenam Walsh made headline news in September 1942. There was an annual week of witness prior to St. Luke’s Festival on October 18. A special service for those in the medical profession was held at St. Luke’s which was very well attended by those in the healthcare service. There was also a daily morning service at 5.30 a.m. which was attended by medical personnel before reporting for duty. [3]
While at St.Luke's Church, Canon Corea and his wife ministered to the poorest of the poor, the Rodiya Community, over a period of 18 years. He even housed members of the Rodi Community on Church property in Castle Street, Colombo.[4]
Following the death of his wife, Ouida, Canon Corea left St.Luke's Church in 1954 and was appointed Vicar of St.Paul's Church in Milagiriya, one of the oldest churches in Ceylon. The church was first built by the Portuguese in the 15th Century as a Roman Catholic church. The British built a new church in 1848 and called it St.Paul's. [5] He built the Lucien Jansz Memorial at St.Paul's Church Milagiriya as well as re-building St.Peter's Church in Pamankada.[6]
The Bishop of Colombo appointed a Historical Select Committee in 1941 to compile a History of the Diocese, to mark the Celebration of the Centernary of the foundation of the Diocese. Reverend Ivan Corea was co-opted to the Committee by the Bishop and served as Secretary.[7] Canon Corea is also mentioned in this historic church volume as 'one of four men who not only distinguished themselves in Theology , but also had the privilege of assisting their teacher in later years as Lecturers in the Divinity School. Reverend H.V.Ivan S.Corea has been honoured by the Bishop by being called to the office and dignity of an Examining Chaplain to the Lord Bishop of Colombo.'[8] Reverend Corea also served on the Diocesan Council of the Centenary Year in 1945. He was a contributor to the 'Church Times' newspaper in the United Kingdom.
Canon Ivan Corea died in Madampe in 1968.Among those who paid their respects in Maha Nuge Gardens, Colombo, at the funeral were the Governor-General of Ceylon William Gopallawa, the Prime Minister of Ceylon Dudley Senanayake and the Finance Minister Junius Richard Jayewardene.[9] At the time of his death, Canon Corea was editing a revised version of 'A History of the Church of Ceylon.' Reverend Corea will always be remembered as a priest who championed the rights of the poor in Sri Lanka.
Reverend Corea was immortalised in a song in the 1970s when the Sri Lankan superstar Clarence Wijewardena composed 'Piyaneni' (Father) in memory of this much loved priest, who worked tirelessly for the poor.[10] 'Piyaneni' was sung by Wijewardena's music partner, superstar Annesley Malewana and recorded at Augie Ranaweera's studio in Bambalapitiya.[11] Another famed musician, Helen Lucas[12] was on the electric organ and the backing was provided by the Super Golden Chimes. 'Piyaneni' went on to become a huge hit in South Asia. Annesley Malewana has sung the composition in memory of Canon Ivan Corea, all over the world.[13]
Listen to 'Piyaneni' here:
He was the father of Vernon Corea, one of Sri Lanka's great broadcasters and Ernest Corea, who was Sri Lanka's Ambassador to the United States. and a former Editor of the Ceylon Daily News.
   | Source: Vernon Corea The Golden Voice of Radio Ceylon - Vernon Corea - The Golden Voice of Radio Ceylon |
| | Source: St.Luke's Church Borella - Rev.Canon Ivan and Ouida Corea of Sri Lanka |
|
|
Wikis
Map
Search
