House of Epiphany marks a historic moment in Kuching

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas officially opened the House of the Epiphany at St Thomas’ Cathedral in Kuching on December 4.

This new complex is set to serve as a theological training college for priests-in-training and a hub for the training of youth leaders and women’s ministries.

The opening ceremony was a momentous occasion for both the cathedral and the Anglican faith.

A legacy of transformation

The House of the Epiphany, originally established in 1953 during the episcopate of Bishop Nigel Cornwall, holds historical significance in the Diocese of Kuching.

Initially focused on training candidates for ordination, the institution evolved to offer refresher courses for local clergy and lay leaders.

A breakthrough came 105 years after the arrival of the first missionaries in 1848 when local leadership took precedence.

The admission of ten students under the tutorship of Canon Peter Howes for the sacred ministry signalled a breakthrough in the process of transferring the Church leaderships to the locals.

Unveiling the House of the Epiphany complex

The Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) in the Sarawak Premier’s Department granted RM11.5 million for the construction and refurbishment of the House of the Epiphany.

The upgraded facility, a five-storey building, includes a chapel, lecture room, seminar rooms, library, administrative offices, staff and student accommodation, and spaces for youth activities.

“This beautiful building stands majestically as a new landmark in the heart of Kuching city. It is another proud testament to the state Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government’s policy of inclusivity,” said the Deputy Premier.

Bishop of the Anglican Church in Sarawak and Brunei, the Rt Revd Datuk Danald Jute, emphasised the multifaceted role of the new complex as a training ground for youth and women’s ministry leaders.

“With the Christmas season about three weeks away, this House of Epiphany certainly makes for a most wonderful Christmas gift to the community in the state,” he said. 

Among others present at the opening were the event’s organising chairman who is also the Bishop of the Anglican Church Kuching and Brunei Darussalam The Right Revd Datuk Danald Jute.

Sarawak Catholic Church Archbishop Simon Poh, Association of Churches Sarawak secretary-general Elder Ambrose Linang, House of Epiphany Warden Rev Canon Alfred Damu Bulang and Gurdial Singh who represented President of Sarawak Sikh Temple Association also attended the event.

The Anglican community now possesses a state-of-the-art facility, enabling the growth of the church and the strengthening of faith. The House of the Epiphany stands as a symbol of commitment to theological education and leadership development, contributing to the spiritual enrichment of all those involved.