St. Paul’s Church expands to serve the community

The 139-year-old St. Paul’s Church on Macalister Road is set to expand its premises to enhance its community outreach efforts.

The church recently acquired an adjacent two-storey shophouse, which will be integrated into its annexe building, Wisma Huai En (Oasis).

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow officiated the groundbreaking ceremony on Jan 26, alongside key church leaders, including Bishop Dr Steven Abarrow, Suffragan Bishop Dr Stephen Soe Chee Cheng, and Vicar Reverend Philip Ong Jeng En.

In his speech, Chow highlighted the church’s long history, stating, “St. Paul’s Church holds a rich history as the first Anglican Chinese church in Peninsula Malaysia, established in 1886.”

The extension project, estimated to cost RM3.35 million, will add 12,700 sqft of space, accommodating a new Senior Citizen Activity Centre, a youth-focused café, and expanded community services.

A new hub for active ageing

With a vision inspired by successful models in Singapore, St. Paul’s Church aims to create a dynamic space for elderly individuals.

Daniel Soon Aik Bin, chairperson of the church building committee, emphasised the project’s benefits, saying, “The centre will provide a safe and engaging environment for seniors, offering mental and physical activities to enhance their well-being.”

Planned programmes include:

• Fitness classes tailored for seniors
• Digital mastery workshops to enhance tech skills
• Lifelong learning sessions for personal growth
• Health checks and wellness programmes
• Spiritual enrichment activities, including Bible studies

These initiatives are designed to promote active ageing, reduce healthcare costs, and create a strong support network for elderly individuals in Penang.

St. Paul’s Church: A safe space for youth and families

Beyond senior services, St. Paul’s Church is expanding its impact on younger generations. Soon revealed that the new café will be a safe and inclusive space for youth, providing:

• Board games and social activities
• Self-study areas for students
• Seminars and talks, including discussions on mental health

Additionally, the church will continue its marriage and pre-marriage counselling programmes, supporting young couples and families.

The St. Paul’s Church expansion is expected to be completed within a year, but fundraising efforts are ongoing. An additional RM1 million is needed to equip the new space with interior fittings and AV equipment.

Rev Ong expressed hope that the Penang state government and the wider community will contribute to these meaningful initiatives.

The church has a strong track record of outreach, including the establishment of daughter churches in Ayer Itam, Butterworth, Bukit Mertajam, and Teluk Kumbar, as well as a free hostel for Orang Asli students in Gopeng, Perak.

With these new initiatives, St. Paul’s Church continues its mission to serve, uplift, and support the community.