Church of the Assumption, George Town
As you enter this church, a plaque on the left wall commemorates the priests who have served it since its inception. The church's history dates back to 1786 when the first Catholic community in northern Malaya, accompanied by Bishop Arnold Garnault, arrived in Penang and constructed a humble wooden structure on Church Street, naming it the Church of the Assumption. In 1802, the wooden structure was replaced by a brick building with a tower, which served the Catholic community until its relocation to Farquhar Street 1858. Two years later, the current structure was erected by Father Claude Manissol, and the first mass was celebrated there in 1861.
The edifice underwent significant renovations in 1928, including the addition of two wings. In 1955, it was designated the Cathedral of the Diocese of Penang by a Decree of the Vatican, albeit in 2003, the cathedral status was transferred to the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit.
In 2016, the church closed for 14 months for an extensive restoration, reopening on January 1, 2018. Inside, visitors can admire beautiful stained glass panels, life-size statues of saints and the Blessed Virgin Mary, stations of the cross wall hangings, and a grand pipe organ erected in 1916, one of the oldest surviving instruments of its kind still in working condition. With constant maintenance and restoration efforts, this oak, pine, and mahogany instrument with 640 lead and zinc pipes continues to enrich the church's musical tradition.
The church grounds also house the Roman Catholic Penang Diocesan Museum, showcasing the Church's missionary history with artifacts and memorabilia. There is also an art gallery displaying paintings by Father Joseph Reutens.
The edifice underwent significant renovations in 1928, including the addition of two wings. In 1955, it was designated the Cathedral of the Diocese of Penang by a Decree of the Vatican, albeit in 2003, the cathedral status was transferred to the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit.
In 2016, the church closed for 14 months for an extensive restoration, reopening on January 1, 2018. Inside, visitors can admire beautiful stained glass panels, life-size statues of saints and the Blessed Virgin Mary, stations of the cross wall hangings, and a grand pipe organ erected in 1916, one of the oldest surviving instruments of its kind still in working condition. With constant maintenance and restoration efforts, this oak, pine, and mahogany instrument with 640 lead and zinc pipes continues to enrich the church's musical tradition.
The church grounds also house the Roman Catholic Penang Diocesan Museum, showcasing the Church's missionary history with artifacts and memorabilia. There is also an art gallery displaying paintings by Father Joseph Reutens.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in George Town. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Church of the Assumption on Map
Sight Name: Church of the Assumption
Sight Location: George Town, Malaysia (See walking tours in George Town)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: George Town, Malaysia (See walking tours in George Town)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in George Town, Malaysia
Create Your Own Walk in George Town
Creating your own self-guided walk in George Town is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
George Town's Historical Religious Buildings
George Town, Malaysia, has much to be proud of when it comes to religious heritage. The city boasts a plethora of wonderful churches, temples, mosques, and other religious sites 鈥� each beautifully decorated and with its own unique story. Follow us on this self-guided walk and see some of them up close.
We start at the Acheen Street Mosque. Dating back to the early 19th century, this is one of... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
We start at the Acheen Street Mosque. Dating back to the early 19th century, this is one of... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
George Town Introduction Walking Tour
Some felt in Malaya that the city of George Town should be renamed Tanjung Penaga ("Cape Penaga"). That was the name of the area where George Town now stands. But the Chinese, British, Muslim, Malay and Indian movers and shakers of the town wisely declined. It might be bad for business.
Captain Francis Light, R. N., came to Tanjung Penaga in 1786. He wanted to set up an entrep么t for... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Captain Francis Light, R. N., came to Tanjung Penaga in 1786. He wanted to set up an entrep么t for... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Farquhar Street Walking Tour
Farquhar Street, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2008, is a culturally rich thoroughfare in George Town, Malaysia, and home to many interesting historic properties. Let's take a brief journey down this storied street and see what they are.
At the outset of Farquhar stands the impressive Supreme Court building, a symbol of justice and governance in Penang. Just a stone's throw away,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
At the outset of Farquhar stands the impressive Supreme Court building, a symbol of justice and governance in Penang. Just a stone's throw away,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles