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TMC Penang 125th Quasquicentennial Anniversary Celebration Commemorative Book
The Tamil Provisional Annual Conference was formed on the 11th of December, 1968.
(Historical Statement, The Book of Discipline of the Methodist Church in Malaysia, 2016) Again there
were teething problems but by the grace of God, TMC Penang pressed on. Another, was progress,
which came with a heavy price. Many young people left the island to settle in the bigger cities like
Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur. Consequently, the church membership showed a slack in growth. However,
Bishop Robert F. Lundy put things into perspective when he said that more than numerical growth,
the spiritual growth is the best marker for any church. The church celebrated its 75th Anniversary on
the 1st of June, 1968 with much rejoicing!

An excerpt from the Foreword “Increase in Excellence” in the 75th Anniversary Souvenir Program
Booklet (2nd June 1968) written by the Bishop, Rev. Robert F. Lundy, goes like this:-
“It seems to me that as we grow and develop in churches, we must keep a high standard in things
spiritual so that the standards will to prevail in just a high form as in other matters. Unless spiritual
excellence is put first and foremost, any other achievement that may be possible for us will be
tarnished.”

The above excerpt is a fitting testament to sum up the journey of the church from 1893 to
1970. Truly, all who have served especially the Pastors until this point in time, were men who
embodied these inspiring words. Most of them were Teacher-Pastors and went visiting by public
transport, bicycles and rickshaws. Some had large families and yet their service to God and man was
remarkable for they served in faith and faithfulness!

The Fourth Quarter (1969-1994) 100 years
The Church Celebrates its Centennial Celebration in 1994

Mr. John Oorjitham was a Lay worker who filled in as lay preacher and caretaker of the affairs
of TMC Penang during the periods (1971-May 1979) when there were no residential pastors in
Penang. He worked hand in hand with the young student pastors like Rev. I. R. Chelladurai, Rev.
John Kovilpillai and Rev. David Tharmakan. He brought in Mr. and Mrs. Yesaiah, to work as
caretakers for the church. In June 1979, Rev. Simon Chandran was appointed the pastor. His forte
was ministry among the non-believers and in his time, the Youth Ministry took off, to the effect, 3
youths committed to full time ministry, namely Rev. S. Arulandu Arokiam, Mr. Ramadason and Pastor
Martin Duke (deceased). The MYF of Penang hosted the Conference MYF Institute at the Pykett
Primary School in 1982 when Rev. Simon Chandran was the Conference MYF Youth Director and Mr.
Arulanthu was the local church MYF president. The highlight of Rev. Simon’s ministry would be the
occasion where Perai, Penang’s Outreach, became a Local Conference on the 21st of April 1981.
The church went through another round of major maintenance work under the capable supervision of
the Steward on Finance and Church Treasurer, Mr C. Natkunasingham. The preliminary work on the
transepts on either side of the main building began. It was completed at a cost of RM 120,000 when
Rev. David Tharmakan was pastor from January 1983 to August 1990.The extension was officially
opened and dedicated by Bishop C.N. Fang on 18th May, 1986.

Rev. David Tharmakan (January 1983 to August 1990) was a great gospel preacher, an effective
teacher and a caring pastor. He was also famed for his singing and musical talents. He believed
music played a vital part in spreading the Word of God. He merged both music and the Word, and
presented it creatively to the people of TMC Penang. The richness of the old hymns and lyrics came
to life during his time.

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