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2021 The church welcomed newly appointed evangelist 李仁民 to serve alongside the Rev. 张振祥. The Adults’ and Young Adults’ Fellowships transitioned into small-group ministry, continuing to connect with adults. A new wave of COVID-19 emerged in January. The government announced Movement Control Order 2.0 from 13 January to 4 March. With cases and deaths rising sharply, the healthcare system nearing collapse, vaccines not yet available and incomes uncertain, people faced immense distress. We prayed that our gracious Lord would bring the pandemic to an end. The Conditional Movement Control Order introduced on 5 March allowed Sunday worship to resume, but standard operating procedures limited attendance to 180. Movement Control Order 3.0 was then imposed from 7 to 31 May, followed by a total lockdown from 1 to 28 June. Throughout the year, in-person worship and meetings repeatedly closed and reopened. We thank the Lord that online arrangements steadily improved, allowing worship and gatherings to continue through YouTube, Facebook and Zoom. As more people lost their income during the pandemic and Penang General Hospital urgently needed breathing-support equipment, the LCEC resolved to raise RM100,000.00 for community care. We thank the Lord that donations exceeded the target. The church donated four breathing-support units to Penang General Hospital and RM20,000 to CREST, using the balance for other community-care ministries to glorify God and serve others. The church also partnered with 7979 to distribute Manna food parcels and emergency financial assistance. From October to December, it donated 120 packed lunches to an orphanage and a disability centre. 2022 As vaccination and booster uptake increased in Malaysia, in-person worship and meetings gradually resumed. From the first Sunday of the year, the Rev. 张振祥 actively encouraged members to read the Bible. Several families who had moved from China to Malaysia attended Sunday worship regularly that year. In June, the Tanjung Bungah preaching point resumed in-person worship after being closed for more than two years because of the pandemic. The church also progressively upgraded its sound equipment that year to improve the audiovisual experience for both in-person and online worship. During the Chinese Annual Conference in November, evangelist 李仁民 was ordained as a church officer. In December, Christmas carolling and an in-person Christmas evening programme finally resumed after a long absence, and members joyfully celebrated Christmas together. 2023 The Methodist training school premises were renovated to serve both as a training centre and as a multipurpose centre for fellowships of all ages. The existing dining area was converted into a café to meet the needs of the church today. In addition to Sunday use, it would be available to the church’s fellowships during the week. Renovation of the two storeys cost RM588,313.07. A brief church history and historical photographs would be displayed on the café walls. The church repaired the sanctuary’s air-conditioning system. During the same period, the Tanjung Bungah preaching point repainted the exterior of its building and repaired the roof. Participation in the 10th World Chinese Methodist seminar on worship, liturgy and sacred music was restricted to brothers and sisters residing on Penang Island. The church subsidised its own members who attended. On 23 September, the International Christian Celebration Choir held its 2023 Northern Malaysia praise concert, “For Love”, at this church. The church held evangelism training on 21 October, with evangelist 邱学新 as the speaker. The church invited Brother 许道顺 to speak at its Christmas evangelistic meeting on the theme “The New Life of a Former Gang Leader”. 2024 On 1 January, the LCEC held its 2024 fellowship and discussion gathering. Church officers shared information about ministries, strengthened their relationships in Christ, and discussed their hopes for the church, with the aim of supporting members’ growth in faith. On 21 January, Chinese Annual Conference President the Rev. 廖克民 was invited to preach and officiate at the opening of the 80th Anniversary Hall and café. A committee was formed to prepare for the church’s 130th-anniversary celebrations. A logo design competition was also opened to church members, with church officers serving as the final judges. The Penang Chinese churches’ fellowship scheduled a Good Friday spiritual renewal meeting at this church on 29 March, with the Rev. 蔡家存 as speaker.

2011 To nourish and equip members spiritually, especially young people, the church introduced the 顶峰 discipleship course on 15 February 2011. A character-education course followed on 19 March. The Methodist Training School continued to offer a range of courses, providing members with different opportunities to learn. As technology became more widely used, the church introduced an SMS service and an email address to help members obtain the latest church information. In August 2011, the minister in charge, the Rev. 黄约辉, attended the World Methodist Conference in South Africa. In September 2011, Sister 骆连宝 began working full-time at the church. Recognising the importance of outreach, the church decided to try public Christmas carolling in shopping centres and public squares for the first time. Performances took place at Penang Times Square on 9 and 16 December and at 1st Avenue Mall on 23 and 24 December. Through this public Christmas outreach, the church hoped to share the gospel more widely across Penang. 2012 In an age of rapidly advancing information technology and material abundance, young people were a mission field in particular need of spiritual nurture. From 15 to 17 March 2012, the church held its first youth gospel camp on Penang Hill, praying that God’s love would transform the lives of young people who had not yet come to faith. From 26 to 30 March that year, the Rev. 张振祥 undertook further study at Seminari Theoloji Malaysia. As the church’s vehicle for transporting members had become old, the LCEC resolved to purchase a Toyota that year. From 23 April to 5 May 2012, the Rev. 黄约辉 attended the General Conference of The United Methodist Church in the United States. From 21 to 25 June 2012, the minister in charge, the Rev. 黄约辉, attended the 6th World Chinese Methodist Mission Conference in Taipei. In August 2012, recordings of Sunday sermons began to be uploaded to Youku. Continuing its commitment to outreach, the church decided to visit the home for older people and those needing nursing care on Green Lane through Christmas carolling. This ministry has continued annually without interruption. Thanks be to God. As the minister in charge’s car had become old, the LCEC also resolved that year to replace it with a new Toyota for the Rev. 黄约辉. 2013 In 2013, the LCEC resolved to upgrade the sanctuary’s musical instruments for Sunday worship and praise. As the pace of life increased, Christian families faced a growing range of challenges. The Methodist Training School therefore introduced a “Marriage and Family” course series and held a “Premarital and Marital Counselling” course in August. Through such training, the church hoped to help families build and sustain healthy relationships. In August 2013, the LCEC resolved to purchase a new Nissan ministry vehicle to transport members and support outreach. On 7 December 2013, the church actively promoted its “Caring School Assistance Programme”, providing school supplies to children from low-income families in Chinese primary schools. Through this Christmas initiative, it hoped to share God’s love with families who had not yet come to faith. The ministry has continued, benefiting dozens of Chinese children each year. 2014 In 2014, as many people from China came to Malaysia through the government’s Malaysia My Second Home programme, the church began a ministry among Chinese nationals. Working particularly with Mr and Mrs 秦兴久, who had moved from China to Penang, it offered companionship and practical assistance to newcomers and invited them to church. From 13 to 18 March 2014, the minister in charge, the Rev. 黄约辉, attended a meeting of the World Chinese Methodist Church Council in China.

2001 That year, the LCEC established a seniors’ ministry to encourage older members to participate more actively in the church’s ministries and demonstrate that the later years of life can be richly meaningful. The seniors’ ministry held its first gathering on 7 July 2001. About one hundred older people attended, sharing fellowship through health checks and lunch. On 16 December 2001, the church held a “Sharing Love at Christmas” dinner in Dorcas Hall in the Methodist Century Building. Thirty-four tables were arranged, raising approximately RM62,000 for the welfare of members in financial need. 2002 On 1 May 2002, the church held its first Whole-Church Fellowship Day to strengthen relationships among members. The 4th World Chinese Methodist Mission Conference was held in Penang from 4 to 8 June 2002. Approximately 650 Methodist delegates from different countries attended the gathering. As a supporting host, this church was deeply thankful and gave all glory to our Father in heaven. 2003 At the beginning of the year, a serious fire affected the 红灯角 flats in the 土尾桥 area of Penang. This church joined four other Methodist churches in Penang to raise funds for 151 affected households, each receiving RM100. In April 2003, the family of the late church officer 黄益安 proposed establishing a RM40,000 Members’ Welfare Fund in his memory. On 1 May 2003, the church again held a Church Family Day, with talks prepared to meet the needs of different age groups. In June 2003, the LCEC resolved to purchase a block comprising four three-storey shophouses in Tanjung Bungah for RM2.2 million as a preaching point. Meetings began there on 3 October 2004. Tanjung Bungah preaching point, established in 1999 (this building was purchased in 2003) In July and August 2003, the preaching point’s Sunday School began recreational activities and tuition classes as a means of sharing the gospel with children who had not yet come to faith. At 5.00 p.m. on 21 September 2003, the new Tanjung Bungah preaching point was formally opened. 2004 In January 2004, evangelist 张振祥 was appointed to assist the minister in charge, the Rev. 黄约辉, in pastoral ministry. The Rev. 张振祥 In March 2004, the Adult Fellowship began meeting every Friday after the church prayer meeting,

1996 As a new century approached, many younger members were no longer fluent in Hokkien. The LCEC therefore resolved to establish a Mandarin–English Sunday service to meet their language needs. At 8.45 a.m. on 3 January 1996, the church held its first Mandarin–English Sunday service. Both the liturgy and the sermon were presented in Chinese and English. Renovation and air-conditioning works in the sanctuary were completed in April that year. On 9 June 1996, the Boys’ Brigade in Malaysia held its fiftieth-anniversary thanksgiving service at this church. That year, the LCEC also established an education fund, providing annual scholarships of RM2,500 for members’ children pursuing tertiary studies and RM3,500 for university students. 1997 In response to the Chinese Annual Conference President’s call for young people’s church activities to support the Conference’s ministries, the LCEC planned a preaching point near TAR College in Tanjung Bungah to develop ministry among students in higher education. On 21 December 1997, the LCEC held a Christmas dinner in the Chinese restaurant of the Penang Chinese Recreation Club to raise funds for the Methodist Century Building. The dinner comprised sixty-five tables. All expenses were donated by church officers 杨昭铭, 刘顺荣, 李国庆 and 黄益民. The entire sum raised, RM414,350, was allocated to the Methodist Century Building. That year, the LCEC also amended the theological scholarship regulations to encourage more young people from the congregation to enter full-time ministry. 1998 Following anti-Chinese unrest in Indonesia that year, many Indonesian Chinese came to Penang. Their attendance at the church’s services gradually increased. The LCEC therefore established an Indonesian Student Ministry Group led by church officer 曾国生. Plans for the six-storey Methodist Century Building extension received municipal approval on 17 August 1998. Following tendering and discussions, construction began on 12 November 1998. Bishop 朱新进 and Conference President 高传隆 jointly officiated at the ground-breaking ceremony on 26 November 1998. In September 1998, the church rented a semi-detached house in Tanjung Bungah as a preaching point. An English Bible study led by Brother 李福寿 began there on 1 October. The 23rd Session of the Chinese Annual Conference in Malaysia was held in Penang from 23 to 26 November 1998, with this church assisting as a host. On 26 November, the day of the opening ceremony, the LCEC invited Bishop Dr 朱进新 and Chinese Annual Conference President the Rev. 高传隆 to officiate at the ground-breaking ceremony for the Methodist Century Building. 1999 At 5.00 p.m. on 3 January, the Tanjung Bungah preaching point held its first Sunday service.

On 15 January 1990, a 95th–100th Anniversary Committee was formed to plan celebrations from the church’s ninety-fifth to its centenary year. A Centenary Celebration Committee was formally constituted in early 1993. On 12 March 1990, the Bayan Baru preaching point requested administrative autonomy, which the Local Church Executive Committee (LCEC) approved at the meeting. This would prepare the preaching point to become a local church charge. That year, several approaches were made to secure land for a church building. On 10 May, representatives met officers of the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) to request religious-use land in the Bayan area or in Seberang Jaya, Butterworth. On 14 May, they met representatives of Farlim Group to discuss purchasing land in the Thean Teik area, where the developer was said to have reserved a site for religious use. Neither proposal succeeded. On 13 August, the Bayan Baru preaching point applied for permission to become a local church charge in 1991. This church agreed, and the proposal received approval through the District Superintendent at the District Conference and subsequently from the Annual Conference. Bayan Baru formally became a local church charge on 1 December 1991, with the Rev. 詹 as its minister in charge. Mission work in Bayan Baru had begun in August 1978, more than thirteen years earlier. Under God’s guidance, it had progressed rapidly. Its establishment as a local church charge opened up greater possibilities for mission and evangelism in the area. The church’s sanctuary was a dignified and beautiful historic building, but its age made maintenance both frequent and difficult. Growing car ownership had also left the car park inadequate. In its city-centre location, noise and heat often disrupted gatherings. A proposal was therefore made to replace the sanctuary and Dorcas Hall with a multistorey building: a large car park at ground level, a multipurpose centre above it, and a sanctuary seating 1,500 on the upper level. It was intended as a centenary offering. A sanctuary redevelopment design group was formed on 1 March 1991 and submitted preliminary drawings and a report on 10 June, estimating the cost at approximately RM4 million. A redevelopment committee was established and fundraising began. Three years later, on 10 October 1994, the church learned that the municipal council had conditionally accepted the preliminary plans, requiring the front portions of the sanctuary and adjoining hall to be retained. As these retained sections would occupy a substantial part of the site and compromise the proposed sanctuary, the redevelopment plan was abandoned. In June 1991, a Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade company, the 12th Penang Company, was formed. Its inauguration and installation service took place on 27 October. Under Captain 柯炳顺, a brass band was organised on 4 July 1993, with members learning to play various instruments. In April 1992, the congregation was organised into thirty-four home groups for mutual care, fellowship and more effective service. In July, the Rev. 黄 travelled to South Korea for a prayer retreat and visits to local churches. On Christmas Day, 25 December 1993, the church departed from its usual house-to-house carolling and held a Christmas evening programme in the Methodist Girls’ School hall. Entitled “The Best Gift”, it featured praise, singing, a short message and a drama about Noah, with gospel tracts and Christian books distributed. The hall was full, and the programme was warmly received. In early 1995, during preparations for the centenary, the LCEC gradually revised the sanctuary redevelopment proposal into a plan to rebuild the Christian Education Centre. It would be named the Methodist Century Building, commemorating both the church’s centenary and its entry into the twenty-first century. On 9 January, the committee resolved instead to expand the adjoining Dorcas Hall, replacing it with a six-storey multipurpose centre containing a large hall, Sunday School and kindergarten classrooms, and a ground-level car park. Alterations and air-conditioning were also planned for the sanctuary and 文萃 Hall. As the centenary celebrations were approaching, the works were deferred until afterwards. More than RM2 million had been raised by that time. To celebrate this historic anniversary, the church arranged a series of events from the beginning of the year, including talks on building a happy family in March,

Mr 黄约辉 was ordained as a church officer in December 1982 and as an elder two years later. Under his leadership, the preaching point continued to grow. The Rev. 黄约辉 A Theological Fund was established on 11 February 1985 to strengthen the theological scholarship scheme. Its support substantially increased available funds, enabling the church to assist more applicants. The church marked its ninetieth anniversary on 5 May 1985 with a series of programmes. From 8 to 19 April, members partnered with Every Home Malaysia to distribute gospel tracts door to door. Evangelistic film screenings were held in different areas on 12, 16 and 18 April. From 23 to 26 April, spiritual renewal meetings were jointly organised with the Northern District, with Dr 吴祖兴 as speaker. The Rev. 李 led evangelistic meetings from 1 to 3 May. On 4 May, the choir presented a praise programme entitled “Matchless Love”. A ninetieth-anniversary thanksgiving banquet was held on 5 May. In July that year, the church purchased a single-storey semi-detached house adjoining the Bayan Baru preaching point for RM160,000. Acquired as a ninetieth-anniversary memorial, it would allow a future application to extend the chapel. In September, a house was rented in Balik Pulau for worship, and fundraising began among members. In April 1988, a house known as “House No. 3” was purchased for RM33,000 as a preaching point. On 8 December 1985, the church held a membership meeting after Sunday worship at which eligible members elected church officers by ballot on the spot. This method has continued to be used. In 1986, the Rev. 李前军 was transferred to Klang and appointed Superintendent of the Northern and Central District. He had served as this church’s minister in charge since 1971, a period of fifteen years. The Rev. 黄约辉 succeeded him. The Annual Conference appointed evangelist Ms 陈碧薇 to assist, principally at the Bayan Baru preaching point. Conscientious and attentive to members’ spiritual growth, she developed its ministry. Alongside Sunday worship, the preaching point organised Youth Fellowship activities and opened a kindergarten to serve the community. Ms 陈碧薇 On 1 January 1987, evangelist Ms 方清叶 joined the church’s ministry,

After the eightieth-anniversary celebrations, members grew greatly in their spiritual lives and in love and devotion to the Lord and his church. They cared for and encouraged one another in fellowship. The Adults’ Fellowship was formally established on 6 July, with Mr 朱振兴 as its first president. Although preparation of the eightieth-anniversary publication faced many difficulties, it was finally published on 2 November through the efforts of editor-in-chief Mr 杨昭铭 and the committee. Richly illustrated, it recorded the church’s history and the activities of its departments, preserving the fruit of eighty years of church life. Construction of the 80th Anniversary Building began after the Holy Communion service on 4 January 1976. It was completed in 1977 and dedicated by Bishop 方中南 on 5 May. On 1 January 1977, evangelist Ms 陈秀音 resigned to pursue further theological studies. The Rev. 李 temporarily managed the church alone, supported by the united efforts of church officers and members. A sports and fitness group was established on 10 January, offering tai chi and qigong classes to promote health. Friends and relatives outside the church were also invited as a means of welcoming those who had not yet come to faith. In 1978, the Missions Committee, established on 8 April 1976, actively developed evangelistic work in Balik Pulau and Bayan Baru. On 13 August that year, a preaching station began meeting in Bayan Baru at the home of a Trinity Church member. An application was made to the Annual Conference for an additional pastoral worker. On 1 January 1979, Mr 黄约辉 arrived as associate pastor and worked closely with Rev. 李前军 to develop the church’s ministries. Young, energetic and devoted to the Lord, he worked diligently, and the Bayan Baru outreach grew rapidly. On 11 June, a single-storey semi-detached house was purchased for RM84,000 as a preaching point,

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.

By 1960, the Air Itam preaching point had grown rapidly in ministry and finances and had become self-supporting. To facilitate its work and administration, its members requested independent status as a local church charge. The Local Conference approved this on 11 July, followed by approval from the District and Annual Conferences. Eighty members were transferred from the mother church. From the start of ministry in Air Itam in 1903 to its independence, this church had nurtured it for fifty-seven years. Frequent changes of meeting venue had made the work difficult. Meetings had been held in a wooden house in 垄尾, a shophouse in 栳孝街, Sister 陈金杯’s home in 甘比光桑, and 毓南 School in 海客园. Only with the completion of the new church in 1950 did it gain a stable place of worship and a firm foundation for future growth. The Rev. 蔡约翰 retired in 1962. The Annual Conference appointed the respected and learned Rev. 殷文宗 from Ipoh to lead the church. Gifted in poetry, calligraphy and painting, and esteemed for his spiritual maturity and character, he was highly regarded in the Annual Conference. He worked tirelessly for the church’s progress, especially evangelism in smaller towns, and made substantial contributions. Members relied greatly on his leadership. He also emphasised their spiritual growth. In addition to the regular fellowship and prayer meetings, he began early-morning prayer meetings every Saturday in early 1963, attracting strong support from devoted members. The Rev. 殷文宗 On 17 February 1964, the church began evangelistic work in Butterworth, holding worship in a sister’s home and seeking opportunities to share the gospel with local residents. Butterworth church, established in 1964 In 1965, Mr 黄绍安 was appointed full-time to the Butterworth ministry. When he resumed theological studies in 1966, responsibility returned to this church’s minister in charge, who served there on a rotational basis. Progress was slow, but members’ willingness to give their time, resources and support was deeply encouraging. A proposal to purchase land and build a church was set aside after negotiations failed. In 1966, with mission support, funds were allocated to purchase jointly with the English congregation a shophouse on the present Pantai Road site for worship. Church officers 陈鸣岐, 陈宏济 and 许建发 were appointed as liaison committee members to oversee property and mission matters. The Rev. 黄绍安 This church carried responsibility for the Butterworth ministry for six years, until it was transferred to the District Conference in 1970. Financial support from this church continued on a gradually reducing basis. In April 1966, the Rev. 洪瑞云 went to Hong Kong for three months of medical treatment. After returning, she resigned to recuperate at home. In September, the Rev. 黄银溪 was appointed resident minister of the Jelutong preaching point. This diligent service won the affection and cooperation of members and contributed greatly to the ministry’s steady progress. The Rev. 黄银溪 In 1968, evangelist Ms 庄家珍 retired after twenty years of dedicated service to this church. The young evangelist Ms 陈秀音 was appointed to succeed her. She served conscientiously and faithfully fulfilled the responsibilities entrusted to her. Ms 庄家珍 Ms 陈秀音

In 1950, the Rev. 方明德 received a Christian advancement scholarship and went to the United States for a year of theological study. On 17 July, he entrusted the pastoral work to the Rev. 蔡约翰 as acting minister. The church granted him a year’s paid leave to support his commitment to further study. The Rev. 蔡约翰 By the end of 1950, the church was concerned that rapidly growing Sunday School enrolment had outstripped classroom capacity. A building committee was elected in November of the following year to plan an expansion of the Christian Education Centre. After several years of effort, the impressive centre, standing to the right of the sanctuary, was completed and dedicated on 2 July 1956, with Bishop 亚策 officiating. It provided much-needed facilities for Sunday School and the activities of the church’s departments. 1956-1976 In 1951, the Rev. 方明德 returned from his studies and resumed pastoral leadership. His year abroad had broadened his knowledge and deepened his spiritual understanding, greatly benefiting the church’s ministry. On 14 April 1952, a Methodist Intermediate Fellowship was established at Mrs 方明德’s initiative to develop the church’s ministry among younger adolescents. In 1953, the Rev. 方明德 was transferred to Singapore and was succeeded by the Rev. 蔡约翰. Having previously ministered to the congregation in the 1950s, the Rev. 蔡 knew its affairs and members well. Gifted in languages and fluent in several Chinese dialects, he was well equipped for evangelism. He proclaimed the gospel diligently and courageously, making substantial contributions to the church’s ministries through tireless service. He sent several evangelistic teams into remote rural areas, where increasing numbers came to salvation by God’s grace, bringing a fruitful harvest. The Rev. 蔡’s ten-year ministry coincided with a major period of church building. The Christian Education Centre was completed and dedicated on 2 July 1956; the Air Itam parsonage was completed in January 1957; and the Jelutong chapel and parsonage were dedicated on 13 August 1961. We thank the Lord for his provision and for the united efforts of the building committees, church officers and members. Building committee treasurer Dr 虞小棠 and the Rev. 蔡 travelled extensively to raise funds. The Women’s Fellowship took the lead for the Christian Education Centre, donating RM6,000 and organising several charity bazaars. Together with pledges, its contribution reached RM15,900, the largest recorded contribution. The auxiliary hall in the centre was therefore named Dorcas Hall in recognition of its service. Between 1951 and 1961, four buildings were completed at a total cost exceeding RM200,000. This was a substantial commitment for the church and a bold undertaking accomplished in faith and dependence on the Lord’s grace. On 13 November 1954, the Local Conference approved the English congregation’s separation into an independent local church charge, Trinity Church, under the English Annual Conference, with immediate effect. After the Christian Education Centre was completed in 1956, preparations began to open a kindergarten. Registration and teacher-recruitment difficulties delayed its opening until 1959. Through early childhood education, the church introduced children to the message of salvation, with encouraging wider effects. The Rev. 洪瑞云 was its first acting principal. In 1956, the Rev. 许彼得 was appointed assistant minister in charge of the Air Itam preaching point. Young, capable, knowledgeable and spiritually discerning, he was especially gifted in youth ministry. His energetic leadership soon brought significant progress. With a resident minister, the preaching point continued to develop. Much of the Air Itam church’s later growth owed to his advocacy and initiative. The Rev. 许彼得 After graduating from Trinity Theological College in 1957, the Rev. 洪瑞云 was appointed assistant minister in charge of the Jelutong preaching point. She worked tirelessly to nurture its members’ spiritual lives. Her respected, spiritually mature cousin, Ms 洪瑞雪, assisted voluntarily, and their complementary service enabled the work to progress smoothly. Membership grew year by year, laying a strong foundation for the present Jelutong church. Their costly and devoted service won the congregation’s deep gratitude. The Rev. 洪瑞云