Dematagoda Christian Guild – it’s history in a nutshell
In the early 1930s most Christians in Sri Lanka worshipped in established and mainstream churches and their spiritual needs, Christian education and wellbeing were met by these churches. Sadly, some of these churches operated as it were in water tight compartments believing that their modus Operandi was the best or perhaps the only way to reach out in spreading the Gospel. The word ‘ecumenism’ was never mentioned and, even if it did surface, was not given due recognition as it is today.
It was at this point of time that the late Shelton Schokman Snr. had a vision to start a Sunday School that would embrace children of all denominations. With this in mind he approached the Anglican Church, at which he worshipped, with this request, only
(and as expected) to be turned down.
However, as the days passed by, his enthusiasm grew stronger. It so happened, a series of prayer meetings were held at St. Paul’s Church, Kynsey Road, Colombo conducted by Bishop Pakenam Walsh from England. He took his burning desire to work amongst children to the healing Bishop. After a careful hearing, the Bishop blessed him and said, “Don’t you worry the time will come.” He took this to be a confirmation from God and before leaving the church he made this resolution:-
“I do hereby solemnly resolve to abide by the advice of the missioners, but continue in my earnest desire to gather little children in a body to rejoice in the Lord.”
He carried this resolution in his purse until his demise in 1978.
Not long after that the opportunity came his way when the late Rev. W.D. Abeyratne of the Baptist Mission greeted him with these words “We were looking for a person like you.” to run the Sunday School at the Ranasinghe Memorial Hall. This building was situated at Albion Rd. in close proximity to where he lived
On Saturday 8th September 1934 with the help of a group of enthusiastic Christian men and women he founded the Dematagoda Christian Guild, the first interdenominational organisation in the area – its objects “To remember God and praise Him and always in thought, word and deed and by example work for His Glory and Name.”
The inaugural Office Bearers were:- President, Dr Frank Gunasekera,O.B.E.
Vice Presidents: Mr. R. A. Dissanayake, Mrs H. M. Sirimane, Mr B.R. Blaze, Mrs G.T. Nugara, and Mr.A.R. de Livera.
Hony. Secretary: Mr. Shelton Schokman Snr. Hony. Treasurer: Mr V.E. Solomons
Committee: Mr. A. Brohier, Mr. J.L. Tambyraja, Mrs H.B.de Oliveira, Mr
R.E. Wallbeoff, Mrs C. Rode, Mr P.F.Von Bergheim and Miss Daisy Schokman.
Auditor: Mr S.J. Holdbottle.
The Guild guided by its Motto ‘BY LOVE SERVE ONE ANOTHER’ grew from small beginnings to become a well established and recognised Christian organisation in Dematagoda.
Throughout the years the Sunday School was well attended. On Saturday evenings, meetings were held for the benefit of the parents and ministers from all denominations were invited to give a message.
The Guild also saw to the welfare of the sick, the elderly and the destitute and regular visits were paid to the General Hospital, the Khan Memorial Hall, the Home for the Aged, Darley Road, the Home for the Incurables, Campbell Park and the City Refuge, Wanathamulla.
In the late forties M/s Walker Sons & Co, Ltd, (the firm in which the Founder was employed), in recognition of his devotion to work and as a philanthropist presented the Guild with a Gospel Van skilfully manufactured in their Carpenter Shop. This van was used to transport the Organ and one would see the children happily pushing this van along the streets of Dematagoda on their way to member’s homes where Cottage Meetings were held.
In 1952 the Founder purchased from the company one of its fleet vans for the discounted prise of Rs. 1750/= and converted it to an eight seater wagon. This vehicle was used in the Guild’s activities.
One of the Guild’s highlights was the installation of the Wayside Pulpit at the corner of Baseline Rd. and Albion Rd. The late Rev. Basil Jayawardana declared this open on the 17th of January 1948.
In 1950, The Guild founded its Recreation Club to provide sporting and social activities among its younger members and senior citizens. It excelled in badminton and won many a competition organised by the Badminton Association of Ceylon.
In 1972 the founder, at the age of 81 decided to migrate to Australia to be with his family. However, he made doubly sure that the Guild continues to exist. He handed over the Guild to the Salvation Army to be run as a separate entity and set up a Trust Fund to finance its welfare work.
Before his departure a Thanksgiving Service was held at St Luke’s Church, Borella, officiated by the late Bishop of Colombo-The Rt Rev. Cyril
Abeyanaike. It was well attended and will be remembered as an emotional event. It was a sad day when on 22nd February 1972 he left the shores of Sri-Lanka.
In Australia he continued to help the needy in Sri/Lanka by setting up a further Trust Fund among his family, which is still operative. Four years later, on 4th December 1976, with the help of his son Charles and daughter-in-law Claudette, he founded an auxiliary of the Dematagoda Christian Guild under the name of the Australia/Sri Lanka Welfare Guild. Sadly, in 1999 it ceased to be an auxiliary of the DCG and the promise made at its inaugural meeting has been consigned to oblivion. However, when one door closes God opens another.
In 2003 the administrators of the Guild whilst in Sri Lanka signed a ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ with the Salvation Army to work in partnership to promote the activities of the Guild. It was also found necessary to change the name of the Guild and henceforth will be known as The Australia /Sri Lanka Christian Guild (formerly known as the Dematagoda Christian Guild) This was considered in order to expand its activities and due to the fact that it would be partly managed and financed by its administrators in Melbourne. Many past members and friends have confirmed their interest in the activities of Guild.
In July 2005 the administrates of the Guild visited Sri Lanka on a goodwill mission to help those who were affected by the Tsunami. On their return, considering the tremendous support received they realised it was necessary to change the name of the Guild and extablished it as a separate entity in Melbourne. On the 8th of October 2005 it was officially registered as Operation Hope Inc. It is a non-profit Christian Organisation run by a Board of Directors and volunteers. It has its own Statement of purpose and seeks to fulfil its vision, working in partnership with all Christian Churches, Charitable Organisations and Ethic Groups.
Many members, some of whom are Great Grand Parents are certain to bring back pleasant and happy memories of their association with the Guild. A good many now reside in Australia.
Through all the changing scenes and seasons in the life of the Guild, it had experienced its success and failures, it had its fair share of joy and sorrow, its hopes and its uncertainties and in hindsight it acknowledges its shortcomings.
Today the Guild stands reassured that God would continue to be its “Comfort and Strength, an ever-present help in the time of need.”
The Guild looks forward to a brighter future.
Updated 2009 By Charles Schokman
A TRIBUTE
TO THE FOUNDER OF THE DEMATAGODA CHRISTIAN GUILD, SRI LANKA.
THE LATE SHELTON SCHOKMAN, SNR. (1891-1978)
THE LEGACY OUR FATHER & GRAND-FATHER LEFT BEHIND BY HIS SON, CHARLES SCHOKMAN.
“The lord gives and the Lord takes away”-On the 18th June 1978 our Dad and Grandpa, Shelton Leslie Schokman, Snr. went home to be with the Lord at the age of 87, after a long illness.
This article is written as a tribute to a person who was loved so much by so many and will always be remembered as the founder of the Dematagoda Christian Guild, Sri Lanka, in 1934 and its auxiliary the Australia/Sri Lanka Welfare Guild, Melbourne, Australia in 1976.
Our Dad was not a super-human person and I think he probably would have been concerned and a bit upset to be categorised that way. He wanted to be very real about who he was and it would have frustrated him to have someone put him on a pedestal. He was a very ordinary person who did not allow his shortcomings, his weaknesses and his inadequacies to get the better of him. He steered his way through such imperfections to be the better person he was, with the help of God. He led a purpose –driven life and has left indelible footprints on the sands of time to those who care to follow.
In the old Testament King Solomon observed:- The memory of the righteous is blessed.” On special occasions thousands of people visit cemeteries or a place of Remembrance to pay homage to their loved ones. They stand beside the graveyard or a monument and ponder a name carved in stone and reflect on the memories of the person for whom it stands. This kind of reflection on the lives of those who have gone before us can encourage us to evaluate the way we are living today. We may recall many memories; perhaps there may be one that stands very special because it has had an impact on ones life. To me, the memory of the morning of the 18th of June 1978 is very special because Dad passed away peacefully and gently in my arms whilst alone with me, giving me the assurance that he was at peace with his Redeemer and Saviour.
On the demise of a parent some children acquire a legacy—it could be the family home, the family business, immense wealth or something of material gain. Dad possessed nothing of this sort. He did not leave even a memento. What he left behind is much more precious to the family than silver and gold—he gave us the legacy of his love and examples to follow.
Dad taught us to be GOD-CENTERED. He often emphasized “It is the duty of every parent to see that their children are brought up in the knowledge and love of God.”
He realised the importance of prayer and often quoted “Prayer is the means by which the power of God is made known—Prayer is the key which unlocks all difficulties.” His favourite hymn was “ What a friend we have in Jesus ” which includes the words—
“ What a privilege to carry, everything to God in prayer.”
Dad also taught us the value of FAMILY LIFE and what it is to be a good parent and provider. The family was never deprived of their needs; we were even given some of our wants. Our home was an open house and a refuge to those in troubled times or illness. He was a peacemaker and his advice and help reconciled families, and our mother always supported him.
He showed us the importance to be HONEST and hardworking and to respect our elders and superiors. He was employed at Messrs. Walker Sons and Co, Ltd. in Colombo, Ceylon, where he commenced his working life at the bottom rung of the ladder as a shipping clerk. In perseverance, combined with diligence he rose to reach its height when he was appointed Superintendent of Transport as a senior Executive; the first Ceylonese in the company to hold the position of an European. He held this post until his retirement in 1956 after 47 years of an accomplished career.
He worked in HARMONY with his fellow employees and saw to their interest. He took their grievances to the management for redress. On one occasion a director remarked- “ Mr Schokman, I note you have been appointed once again to Bell the cat.” Dad responded,- “ No Sir, this time I have been given a much greater task: they have presented me with five notes ( meaning five grievances ) and expect me to produce sweet music.” Amidst laughter, the meeting was set to gain favourable results.
He lived by FAITH. If Dad felt within his spirit to do something that he thought worthwhile he did not procrastinate or let doubts cloud his mind. He readily responded to that call. This was demonstrated when he founded the Dematagoda Christian Guild in 1934. In spite of a few set backs, once he had placed his hand on the plough, he never looked back. He continued his good work among the children and the elderly and often visited the City Refuge at Wannathamulla, the Home for he Aged at Darley Road, the Home for the Incurables at Borella and the Children’s Hospital at Campbell Park. He dug deep into his pocket to help the needy and minister to them.
Dad was raised as an Anglican and worshipped regularly at St. Matthew’s Church, Dematagoda. However, he was prepared later in life to move away from his denominational roots to simply be known as a believer in Jesus Christ. It was for this reason that he founded the Guild as an inter-denominational organisation.
He stood by his PRINCIPLES. Dad had come to realise the difference between spiritual and moral values and the regulations that existed even in the churches at his time. Whenever he sensed an injustice being done to someone, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant it was, righteous indignation rose up within him and he did not hesitate to take action. He never sacrificed or compromised
on moral issues or Christian values. It is said, “ The courage of one man makes the majority.”—Dad acted first and then left it to others to make up their minds whether to support him or not. I well remember at the age of ten, in 1939, Dad single handed, yet vigorously campaigned against a church that organised an ‘empire fair’ that supported the abuse of gambling and sold liquor for the purpose of raising funds for its Christians schools.
One of the headlines prominently displayed in the Island’s newspaper was “Scandal in Colombo.” In response to his protests the then Archdeacon of Colombo, the late Venerable F.L.Bevan had this to say:- “Money raised for a sacred object should be raised by methods which are not in violation of Christian standards. There was an argument that the end justified the means. That was one of those glib sayings which could not possibly be justified by sound moral reasons.” The Bishop of Colombo subsequently issued a directive to the effect that in future no Anglican church is to hold a fair that encourages the abuse of gambling and alcohol. This has been honoured to date– a small reward for a man who was prepared to stand up and be counted. A big victory for the righteous.
Some may have misunderstood Dad but he was respected and loved by all because he hated the sin in the person and not the person.
Yes, “The candle in consuming itself gives light”—so was our dear Dad and Grandpa.
As a fitting tribute to him the epitaph given by his dear wife reminds us whenever we visit his grave that “To live in the hearts of those you love is surely not to die.”
