Anglican church elevated

St George’s Anglican Church in George Town was built in 1819 and regarded as the oldest Anglican church in South-East Asia. — KT GOH/The Star

ST GEORGE’S Anglican Church in George Town, regarded as South-East Asia’s oldest Anglican church, turns 204 this year and has been declared a pro-cathedral.

To mark this achievement, the church in Penang held a fundraising food carnival and live performances by its members, according to Buletin Mutiara.

The funds will go to six benefactors – 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.

A pro-cathedral is a parish church that temporarily serves as the cathedral or co-cathedral of a diocese or has the same function in a Catholic missionary jurisdiction that is not yet entitled to be a proper cathedral, such as an apostolic prefecture or apostolic administration.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who visited the carnival held on the church grounds in Lebuh Farquhar, thanked St George’s for playing an integral part in the state’s development over the years.

“This declaration recognises the significant role that this religious institution has played in communities not only in Penang but throughout the northern region,” he told church authorities in his speech.

“It also demonstrates the hard work and dedication of your predecessors that have made this possible.

“The church has come a long way since it was built and consecrated in 1819.

“I understand it was gazetted as a historical site in 1996 and was named one of Malaysia’s National Heritage Treasures in 2007.

“After 204 years, the church continues to stand strong and vibrant, serving not only its parishioners but also the wider community.

“This year, the Penang government conferred the Penang Centennial Excellence Award on St George’s Church for its outstanding contributions,” added Chow.

Some 200 parishioners attended a special service, which was held from 3pm to 5pm.

This was followed by the carnival, which started at 5pm and ended around 9pm.

Also present at the celebration were Deputy Education Minister Lim Hui Ying, Pulau Tikus assemblyman Chris Lee, Bishop of the Diocese of West Malaysia Right Reverend Dr Stephen Abbarow and Suffragan Bishop of the northern region Right Reverend Dr Stephen Soe.