“Have you ever felt the weight of history pressing down on you?” Right here, we stand before the Assumption Church in Petaling Jaya. It is a place of quiet contemplation amid the hustle of city life. This church wasn’t built in a day. It represents decades of devotion and community spirit.
In 1957, Archbishop Dominic Vendargon entrusted Fr Edouard Giraud with a significant task. He was to raise funds for a new church in Petaling Jaya. With the help of architect RB Pereira and city engineer Francis McWilliams, a church building committee was formed.
On August 15, 1959, the archbishop laid the foundation stone. An almost completed church held its first Christmas Eve Mass on December 24, 1959. The church was blessed and dedicated on January 24, 1960. It was named the Church of the Assumption.
For over six decades, this church has been a cornerstone of the community. Parishioners celebrated baptisms and weddings here. They rejoiced at Christmas and Easter. The community gathered for sports days and coffee mornings. They also mourned the loss of cherished priests and parishioners.
But time takes its toll. The Assumption Church has experienced significant deterioration. Major renovations are needed. The repairs include complete rewiring and fixing the leaking roof. They also need replacement of the 30-year-old audio equipment and retiling of the floors. The air conditioning system also needs fixing.
Since May 21, the church building has been closed for renovations and repairs. All masses and events now take place in the Assumption Family House. It is located behind the main church building.
Fr Leonard Lexson is the parish priest. He sees the church as more than just a building. “A church is a place of hope, comfort, joy and renewal,” he says. “Being a son of the parish, this church is meaningful to me, as it is to all our parishioners.” The goal is to make the church even more inspiring. This will unite parishioners and encourage good work in the community.
To fund these vital renovations, the parish community has been actively fundraising. They have organised coffee mornings every Sunday. They have also held a youth talent contest and a flea market. But still, about RM1.5mil is needed to complete the repairs.
Despite the ongoing renovations, the spirit of the Assumption Church remains strong. It is a testament to the enduring faith and community. This place will continue to be a beacon of hope for generations to come. The Assumption Church stands as a symbol of unity. It shows unwavering dedication in Petaling Jaya. It’s a story etched in stone and stained glass.