In this article we are going to share with you the Church of almost 200 years old, built in 1816. This historical church is one of Penang's major beautiful heritage landmarks and reputed to be the oldest Anglican church in South East Asia. It is none other than St George's Church in Penang. No wonder that St. George has also served as a fountain of inspiration to writers
(like Shakespeare), artists and musicians.
The most famous depiction of St George Church was his battle with a
ferocious dragon (such as the one shown here from The Catholic
Community Forum).
It is located at the corner of Lebuh Farquhar and Jalan Masjid Kapitan
Keling, both roads are historically significant in this part of the world.
Your tour to Penang will not be completed if your tour did not cover
this area.
This piece of history, resembling the early 19th century Church, will be restored through on-going restoration works. The full beauty of this church will be revealed once the restoration project is completeed as scheduled in November, 2010.
This restoration works will bring back its former glory. This grand restoration works include cleaning and restoring the roof's Marseilles tiles, using the 'cocoon' method for salt desalination on the lower parts of the church walls, restoring parts of the interior as well as door panels and repainting the church.
This church survived through second world war, when it was damaged by 6 Japanese bombs which, fell into its compound. As a result, the pitched roof was significantly damaged at that time. This could have caused the clock to be either destroyed or removed. Now, effort is made to place the replica of its 1.2 m original clock, which was portrayed by a water colour painting of the church showing the clocks facing north, south, east and west, drawn by Mr John Turnbull Thomson, an influential British architect and artist who lived from 1821 to 1884.
Luckily, other areas of this church are well maintained as the church was constantly used by churchgoers before they moved their services to the Parsih Hall while the restoration work is ongoing.
Though my stay in Penang was only four days and three nights, I find it meaningful and fulfilling as I have the chance to recall my old memories.
Your Chief Servant,
James Oh
Founder and Group CEO
Skype me at james.oh18
http://liftyouup.blogspot.com
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