GEORGE TOWN: The landmark St George's Church in the heritage enclave is set for a RM2 million facelift in July.  The church, the sole cultural heritage site listed in the National Heritage register in Penang, has lost its lustre due to internal structural damage, and it needs a new coat of paint.

Architectural consultant Ooi Bok Kim said there had not been a major restoration since 1961, and there was an urgent need to spruce up the 193-year-old church. Ooi said his firm would be submitting a detailed dilapidation report to the National Heritage Department for vetting before the actual refurbishment begins.

The work to be undertaken includes roof maintenance and repairing damaged perimeter wall structures. The church will be given a new coat of paint to restore its once majestic appearance.

Ooi said the octagonal dome that houses the Francis Light Memorial Hall adjacent to the church would also be repainted to accentuate its appearance.  The dome was erected in 1886 to commemorate Light's administration in Penang.

Ooi said open tenders for the renovation of the church had already been called and the Heritage Department was expected to announce the successful bidder by the second quarter.

Located in Lebuh Farquhar, St George's Church is the oldest Anglican church in Southeast Asia, and the first in Penang. It was built in 1816 with the inspiration of Reverend R. Hutchings and the help of the East India Company.

(Above picture and article was taken from The New Sunday Times, 26 February 2009)

The de-commissioning service for St. George's Church, Penang will be held on Sunday, 8 March 2009, after which the church will be closed for restoration works which is schedule to be completed by July 2010.

The Parish Hall has been renovated and  the Sunday Services will be held on the ground floor while the Sunday School will be held on the first floor.