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TMC Penang 125th Quasquicentennial Anniversary Celebration Commemorative Book

there was a complete renovation of the parsonage at a cost of about RM3000.
Ms. Kathleen Clancy gave able assistance to the women and youth of the church.

On 13th December 1959, a special service marking the Silver Jubilee and rededi-
cating the newly redecorated Sanctuary was officiated by Bishop Hobart B. Amstutz. It
must be noted that the Silver Jubilee Celebration was to commemorate the new Sanctu-
ary at Perak Road. The church had now a total membership of 123.

Mrs. Hoover, daughter of Rev. and Mrs. Pykett came from Borneo to present the stained
glass window to commemorate this occasion.
(Rev. V. A. Subramaniam, Pastor, 1959
Souvenir Magazine, Penang Methodist Tamil Church, Silver Jubilee, 1959)

The stained glass window of Jesus carrying a lamb on His shoulder is placed above
the altar of TMC Penang with the initials of the Pyketts at the bottom of the art piece.

The Boys’ Brigade was started in 1958 by Mr. Joseph Devasagayam and he gave
strong leadership to the 40 member strong Boys’ Brigade ministry also known as the 4th
Penang Company. It was later taken over by Mr. Albert Ramayah. Our present Captain,
Mr. S. C. Mani, says he rose from rank and file and took over in 1971. He came as a 12
year old boy to the church on the invitation of Mr Devasagayam in 1952/3. In 1963 he
accepted Christ as his Saviour and eventually went on to serve as member of the LCEC,
representing the Boys’ Brigade. Needless to say, it drew many young Tamil boys to the
church. It is interesting to note that this was the first Tamil Boy’s Brigade with all Tamil
boys mainly from the labour quarters. The Company had 4 officers and in its heyday, the
Company participated in the Youth Week parade, the Penang Governer’s Birthday in
1980 and the Boys’ Brigade Founder’s Day Parade.

After completing a six-month training course (June to December 1960) offered by
the Seminary for Tamil Evangelists, Ms Grace Paul was assigned to help Rev. V. A. Sub-
ramaniam with his outreach work among the Tamil speaking people. Her work reached
out to the Tamil Settlement areas in Patani Road, Mount Erskine and on the mainland in
Prai. Ms. Grace Paul was also a local preacher and had a licence to preach. She brought
in many converts to the church. She also served extensively in the Church School minis-
try. She also faithfully served for nearly forty years bringing God’s Word to those who
could not attend regular church service.

Rev. I. R. Chelladurai served as the pastor from January 1965 to December 1970.
In 1966 the church underwent some repairs and restoration work on the roof, repainting
of the building as well rebuilding the fence surrounding the church. For worship, a brand
new electric organ was purchased. During this time, Mr. D. S. Ramanthan served as the
LCEC Chairman. In spite of being the Mayor of Penang, he was devoted to his ministry
to the church. He was present at Port Dickson when that historic decision was taken to
form the Tamil Provisional Annual Conference. He was a fine scholar, a distinguished
churchman and a community leader.

1968 was a significant year that affected TMC Penang deeply. Firstly, was the
separation from the Singapore Annual Conference. It was sad and emotion-filled but like
a child learning to walk, TMC Penang learnt how to be independent and God dependent.

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