TRAC News
01 Jan 2017

Wesley Methodist Church, Penang - 125th Anniversary Celebration

A bright and golden Sunday morning ushered in the 125th Anniversary celebration of Wesley Methodist Church, Penang on 21st August 2016. Forgotten was the heavy downpour the day before. God granted sunshine and blue skies for His three congregations to commemorate this special event together. There was a quiet sense of buzz as early birds resplendent in red, burgurdy or white (the theme colour for the anniversary celebration) arrived at 8.30am in excited anticipation of the events tailor-made for the day! The limited seating in the Sanctuary was an added impetus. It was heartening to see the Sanctuary filled up in no time. By 9.30 am there were no empty seats in the Susannah Room and the Hannah Hall, where there was a live feed of the service from the Sanctuary.
The Church Choir accompanied by the symphony music of the string ensemble comprising Penang Wesley members and friends from our sister Methodist Churches filled the Sanctuary with melodious and joyous thanksgiving and praise. Ms Juwita Suwito a renowned gospel singer rendered the anthem “To God be the Glory”.
Bishop Dr. Ong Hwai Teik shared the Word from Judges 2:6-15 and Deuteronomy 6:4-9. The congregation was reminded of the legacy inherited from the hard work of the early pioneers and faithful servants of the Lord who came in 1891 to establish the Wesley Methodist Church, Penang. He challenged the congregation calling them to ensure that this rich heritage was passed down to the future generations. The Bishop made reference to Eli and his sons. He urged the people not to sit on their laurels, lest their complacency led to a generation who would grow up not knowing the Lord nor what He had done. He emphasized that the home should be the bastion of faith, not merely rituals or festivals. He reminded parents that they were commanded to be prime movers of the faith to their children who would be the bedrock for the church’s future. Bishop Ong was invited to lead in the consecration of the newly renovated Sanctuary and the replaced slate roof tiles, followed by the unveiling of a plaque.

The service ended at 11.30am and the congregation took a short walk to the restaurant at the Penang Plaza for a sumptuous lunch. Pastor Paul Santosh Christie led everyone in the anthem “To God be the Glory” and our President Jeyakumar gave a short speech. After grace was said the lunch commenced.

A handbook publication of testimonies from church members was handed out during the lunch to members and their guests. The celebrations culminated with the cutting of the anniversary cake. Everyone had a wonderful time blessed with warm fellowship, good food, door gifts and the great singing by Ms Juwita Suwito.

As part of the 125th Anniversary celebrations the following events were organized:
a. Discipleship Training Seminars - Teaching and instruction in the Word by distinguished teachers and Bible scholars like Bishop Emeritus Dr. Hwa Yung, Dr. D.A. Carson and Dr. Paul Barker;
b. Introduction of a Graduate Diploma Foundation Course in collaboration with the Malaysian Baptist Theological Seminary;
c. A Community Day event which brought the church family (from 3 congregations) together on 23rd July 2016. Teamwork and co-operation were required for the many activities reminding one of 1 Corinthians 12:14-20. There was much fun and good fellowship.

Included in the above 125th festivities was a Vacation Bible School for children between the ages of 5-11 years of age held from 30th November to 3rd December 2016.

With the ambitious program drawn up for the Anniversary celebrations by the organising committee, substantial financial support was required from the church’s coffers. Help came from gentle hands of the hardworking ladies of the Methodist Women whose ‘Project 104 Slate’ transformed the 104-year-old roof slate tiles into unique crafts and beautiful paintings.

Every Saturday afternoon from 2 to 6 p.m. continuously for 4 months, the Methodist Women scrubbed, dried, crafted and painted the 104-year-old roof slate tiles. Every Sunday morning commencing 5th June 2016, the ladies manned the stall set up to offer for sale the crafts and God-inspired paintings. God moved the hearts of the congregation to buy the paintings and the crafted roof slate tiles. The support from the congregation was overwhelming! At the end of the 3 months ‘Project 104 Slate’ sale, money was counted and the proceeds were more than sufficient to cover the cost of the programmes!

Every minute detail was planned and carried out by the organizing committee which started planning and meeting almost a year before the grand event. God has revealed to us that as we rely on Him, He is faithful and He provides all that’s necessary. To God Be the Glory!

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Submitted by Mrs. Joan Lim and Tan Suan See