Perhaps you’ve noticed the Gothic architectural style that graces the Wesley Methodist Church Penang. This church stands at the junction of Burmah Road and Larut Road. It marks a significant chapter in Penang’s history. Wesley Methodist Church is the oldest Methodist church in Malaysia.
The story of Wesley Methodist Church began in 1891. Rev Daniel Davies Moore was commissioned to start Methodist services. He was from Prince Edward Island, Canada. The Methodist Church in Singapore sent him to begin English work in Penang Island. Rev Moore also helped found the Anglo-Chinese School Penang. It is now known as Methodist Boys’ School.
In August 1891, Moore held the first Methodist service in English. It was at the Penang Town Hall. Later, the service moved to missionary quarters. In November, they gathered at the Armenian Church in Church Street. By 1893, services occurred in a Northam Road building. Later still, they moved to the Anglo-Chinese School.
The Methodist Church acquired two buildings on Larut Road in 1910. These served as a missionary residence and a boarding house. The church purchased a triangular piece of land for $8,000. It sat between Anson Road, Burmah Road, and Larut Road.
The cornerstone laying ceremony took place on December 26, 1911. Rev G. F. Pykett presided. He was Superintendent of the Local Conference. A cavity was made in the granite block. Inside, they placed a Bible, a Methodist hymnal, and other significant documents.
Construction finished in 1912. The dedication ceremony occurred on November 26, 1912. Bishop W. P. Eveland of the Philippines conducted it. The church was initially named the “Fitzgerald Memorial Church”. It honored Bishop Fitzgerald and his daughter Cornelia. Cornelia died in Penang in 1907. Bishop Oldham of Singapore and his wife raised funds for the church’s construction. The estimated cost was $25,000.
In 1931, the church was renamed “Wesley Methodist Church”. Four tablets were unveiled three years later. They commemorated Bishop Fitzgerald and his daughter. Rev G. F. Pykett and his wife were also honored.
During World War Two, the Japanese army used the church as a camp. Services moved to the Chinese Methodist Church in Madras Lane. After the war, the church grew. New ministry groups started. These included the Women’s Society of Christian Service.
C.W. Barnett designed the church in the Gothic style. Ah Chiang was the builder. The rectangular tower stands 60 feet high. It was designed to house a bell.
The church’s main body is 86 feet long and 30 feet wide. The walls are brick and plastered. Seven doors line each side. Polished marble covers the entire concrete floor.
Today, Wesley Methodist Church Penang continues its mission. It holds services in English and Mandarin/Hokkien. It offers programs for all ages. The church serves the community. It upholds its traditions. It stands as a beacon of faith. It enriches George Town’s cultural landscape. Its story is interwoven with Penang’s history.