On 29 June 1970, the Rev. 殷文宗 died in office after illness brought on by overwork. The congregation deeply mourned the sudden loss of its beloved minister and example. Assistant minister the Rev. 黄银溪 took charge on an acting basis. Meanwhile, while construction of the Jelutong Christian Education Centre was still under way, plans for Jelutong’s independence were being discussed. After several consultations, the Local Conference approved the proposal on 7 August. Jelutong formally became independent on 1 January 1971, with more than ninety members transferred from this church.
Since the preaching point was established in Jelutong in 1908, sixty-two years of patient effort had brought its evangelistic work to this stage. Its meeting place changed several times. The earliest location is unknown. In the 1930s, a zinc-and-timber house was rented in eastern Jelutong. In the early 1940s, meetings moved successively to Sister 杨敏’s and Brother 杨芋蛋’s homes in 网寮. Meetings ceased during the occupation. After peace returned, they were held at church officer 李嘉禾’s home in Batu Lanchang. On 20 November 1960, the congregation moved into its newly completed church and finally gained a permanent meeting place.
Building plans for the Jelutong preaching point began in 1956, with negotiations to purchase its present site at 26 Bagan Serai Road. The sanctuary and parsonage were completed in 1960, establishing a permanent home. The dedication on 13 August 1961 fulfilled a long-held hope. An adjoining plot was purchased in 1965 for a Christian Education Centre, which was completed and dedicated on 9 August 1969. The following year, Jelutong Methodist Kindergarten opened to serve young children. The total cost of land, construction and equipment was RM130,004.62.
Jelutong Church
In 1971, the Rev. 李前军 came from Alor Setar to take charge of the church. Young, energetic and spiritually devoted, he served the Lord wholeheartedly. Soon after his arrival, he renewed the church’s administration and strengthened members’ spiritual formation. Changes to prayer meetings brought renewed vitality and increased attendance. Daily early-morning prayer meetings were also introduced and gradually grew. The church regularly joined neighbouring congregations in larger spiritual gatherings, supporting one another in the spirit of Scripture: “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God” (Romans 8:28, WEBBE, excerpt).
The Rev. 李前军
On 6 September 1971, a Theological Scholarship Committee was established to encourage those called to ministry to pursue theological education and prepare for pastoral service. Members generously supported the initiative, enabling it to operate successfully. Scholarships were provided to six theological students; some completed their studies and were already serving in gospel ministry.
In 1972, effective Sunday School teaching brought increasing enrolment. The church chartered a school bus for children who lacked convenient transport. Numbers rose sharply, leaving classrooms overcrowded. Every usable space, including the rear passage and side corridor, became a makeshift classroom. These cramped and basic conditions affected learning, making additional classrooms an urgent need.
In early 1973, the church planned a variety programme for its seventy-eighth anniversary. As no suitable hall was available, rebuilding the Christian Education Centre was considered, but investigations found that the foundations could not support the proposed extension. After further discussion, the church decided to replace the parsonage with a three-storey multipurpose building. It hoped to dedicate the building at the eightieth anniversary in 1975 as a lasting memorial that would glorify the Lord and serve the church’s ministries, especially Sunday School. Regrettably, the plans had not yet received official approval, so construction could not begin in time for the anniversary.
In February 1975, the church purchased a ministry vehicle costing RM10,000, meeting a long-standing need across its departments and greatly supporting gospel ministry.
Over the years, members grew in their understanding of Christian stewardship and the meaning of giving. They generously supported the church’s ministries in the love of Christ. From 1971 onwards, Chinese New Year thanksgiving offerings increased annually, exceeding RM15,000 this year. Thanks be to the Lord!
From 1 to 5 May 1975, the church marked its eightieth anniversary with major celebrations, thanking the Lord for his gracious protection and remembering the pioneers’ service. A commemorative publication recorded the church’s history to encourage future generations. In preparation, the Rev. 谢秉刚, General Secretary of the Bible Society, was invited on 26 February to lead three evenings of spiritual renewal meetings. These nourished and strengthened the congregation for the anniversary. The celebrations from 1 to 5 May comprised a children’s gathering, three evenings of revival meetings, a thanksgiving and praise service, a commemorative thanksgiving gathering and a thanksgiving banquet. Each programme had its own character and significance, making the occasion unprecedented in the church’s history.
80th Anniversary Commemorative Publication
Throughout these eighty years, God the Father’s grace and protection sustained the church. Successive ministers and pastoral workers proclaimed the gospel diligently, seeking the salvation of others and bringing many to the Lord. LCEC chairpersons and lay leaders guided the church with wisdom and generosity of spirit. Church officers, departmental workers and the whole congregation served in unity and gave wholehearted support. Together they enabled plans to be completed in an orderly way, establishing a deeply rooted and flourishing church. May the Lord continue to guide and strengthen us by his Spirit, that we may proclaim the gospel, develop the church’s ministries, fulfil his will and carry forward the unfinished work of our pioneers. In this way, may our anniversary fulfil its purpose.
There are far more events and exemplary people in the church’s history than can be recorded here. Sadly, two wars and several changes of premises caused most early documents to be lost, making the earlier history difficult to write. For more recent history, records remain available, but limited space permits only an outline of the main events.