A landmark celebration of faith and community
BUTTERWORTH: For university student Joel Cephasraj Harris, St Mark's Church is more than a place of worship – it is part of his family's story.
The 20-year-old said the church has been central to three generations, from his grandfather to his father and now himself.
'Practically my whole family worshipped here, from my grandfather to my generation,' he said during the church's 130th anniversary celebration yesterday.
Joel, who has volunteered there for several years, described the church as a melting pot of English, Bahasa Malaysia and Tamil speakers.
'It goes beyond religion – it's about shaping people into better individuals and strengthening the community,' he said.
Engineer S. Prabakaran brought his wife and two children from Seberang Jaya for the occasion.
'It's a proud day for us. The church has evolved into more than just a religious institution – it's where the community comes together,' said the 44-year-old.
Prabakaran said he took advantage of the weekend holiday to bring his family to join the anniversary celebration.
'It's not every day you get to witness a 130-year celebration. I wanted my children to see and appreciate the church's history and the role it plays in our lives,' he said, adding that he also met up with his friends there.
His wife, K. Kavitha, 40, said it is heartening to see people of all ages sharing stories and celebrating a place that has stood the test of time.
Even non-members joined in the celebration such as Butterworth resident Eduard Lim, 25, who came to support friends and neighbours.
'I've always admired how the church opens its doors to everyone, regardless of background. It's part of what makes this community special,' he said.
Lim added that the event is also a chance to appreciate the church's history, noting that such heritage buildings are rare and should be preserved for future generations.
Yesterday's celebration drew hundreds of congregants and community members who came together to mark the anniversary with prayers, hymns and cultural performances.
The event also offered a variety of community services, including free dental check-ups provided by the Health Ministry, medical screenings by Polyclinic Bagan, blood pressure and glucose tests, eye examinations and a blood donation drive by Hospital Baling.
Children were treated to games and activities, adding a festive atmosphere to the occasion.
Anglican Churches' Bishop of the Diocese of West Malaysia Rev Canon Dr D. Steven Abbarow led the service.
The church also launched a fundraising drive for RM180,000 to buy a new van for its children's ministry, replacing a 20-year-old vehicle.
Vicar Rev Anthony Jude said the van is essential for transporting Sunday school students.
'Our existing van is becoming too costly to maintain,' he said.
The church also set a target of raising between RM30,000 and RM40,000 yesterday.
Present during the anniversary celebration were Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng, Bagan Dalam assemblyman K. Kumaran, Bagan Jermal assemblyman Chee Yeeh Keen and senator Dr Lingeshwaran R. Arunasalam.
Founded in 1893 by Rev Hubert C. Henham, the Church of St Mark the Evangelist began as a wooden chapel seating 70 and was completed in 1894 on a government-granted land along Jalan Bagan Luar. It was consecrated in January 1895.
In 1929, the church moved to a larger site to serve a growing congregation, and the brick building consecrated that year gave Jalan St Mark its name.
Today, the church stands in a Butterworth enclave known as a 'street of harmony', near Hindu and Buddhist temples and a Gurdwara, reflecting the town's interfaith heritage.
St Mark's remains under the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia, holding services in English and Tamil.
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