CJMY
St. George’s Church in George Town, South-East Asia’s oldest Anglican church, celebrates its 204th anniversary this year.
To mark this achievement, the church held a fundraising food carnival and live performances by its members. The event was attended by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and other dignitaries.
The carnival raised funds for six benefactors, including St. Nicholas’ Home Penang, Rumah Victory Drug Rehabilitation Centre, Rumah Shalom Youth Hostel, Salvation Army Penang Children’s Home, Ramakrishna Ashrama, and Charis Hospice Penang. The funds raised will go towards supporting these institutions in their endeavours.
The church has been declared a pro-cathedral, which is a parish church that temporarily serves as the cathedral or co-cathedral of a diocese.
Importance of St. George’s Church in the community
St. George’s Church is the oldest purpose-built Anglican church in Southeast Asia, and it lies within the jurisdiction of the Upper North Archdeaconry of the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia. The church was gazetted as a historical site in 1996 and named one of Malaysia’s National Heritage Treasures in 2007.
The church’s architecture is a combination of Neo-Classical, Georgian, and English Palladian styles. Built entirely by Indian convict labour, the church features a portico of Doric columns and an octagonal-shaped steeple. The church underwent a major restoration in 2009.
St. George’s Church has been a vital institution in the community for over 200 years. The church’s contributions to Penang and the surrounding region have been recognized by the government, with the church receiving the Penang Centennial Excellence Award for its outstanding contributions.
After 204 years, the church continues to serve its parishioners and the wider community. St. George’s Church has come a long way since its construction in 1819, and its contributions to the community are remarkable.
A symbol of faith, resilience, and history
The 204th-anniversary celebration of St. George’s Church is a testament to the church’s resilience and faith. The church’s architecture and history make it a symbol of Penang’s past and a crucial part of Malaysia’s national heritage. St. George’s Church is a reminder of the importance of preserving Malaysia’s history and culture.
“This declaration recognises the significant role that this religious institution has played in communities not only in Penang but throughout the northern region,” he said.
In his speech at the carnival, Chow Kon Yeow acknowledged the significant role that St. George’s has played in Penang’s development over the years. The church was gazetted as a historical site in 1996 and named one of Malaysia’s National Heritage Treasures in 2007.
The Penang government conferred the Penang Centennial Excellence Award on St. George’s Church for its outstanding contributions in 2022.
St. George’s Church has played a significant role in the community’s development and has received numerous accolades, including the Penang Centennial Excellence Award. St. George’s Church is not only a symbol of faith but also a reminder of Malaysia’s rich history and culture.
Source: Buletin Mutiara
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