Page 26 - C:\Users\User\Desktop\FlipBook\tmcv2

TMC Penang 125th Quasquicentennial Anniversary Celebration Commemorative Book

The Church Choir was invited to participate in the YMCA-CCM Festival of Christian Music
in 1989. A Christmas musical presentation themed ‘A Gift of Love’ was held on the 22 of
December 1989 to spread the Good News of Christmas. Everyone was sad to bid farewell to him
as he left for the United States to further his studies.

Rev. John Kovilpillai, who served in TMC Penang from January 1972 to December 1975
and December 1990 to November 1993, strengthened the evangelism ministry at TMC Penang.
He was always keen on starting new forms of ministries pertaining to evangelism and missions.
The Nibong Tebal Outreach Point was taken over from the Perai Church. Mr. Subramaniam a.k.a.
Mr. Paul Maniam (TAC Supply Pastor) was appointed as the church worker for this outreach.
However, the dream of making the Nibong Tebal Outreach a local church did not materialize.

Dato Dr. P. C. Vanniasingham served as the LCEC Chairman as well as the Finance
Chairman for more than two decades (1972 to 1995) His contribution, in terms of talent, time, skill
and finance scaled TMC Penang to greater heights!

The church celebrated its Centennial Celebration on the 10th of September 1994, the first
Tamil Methodist Church to do so in Malaysia.

The Bishop, Dr. Dennis Dutton, in his Message in the Centennial Souvenir Programme
booklet, commented, “In the period from 1968 to 1994, this conference showed the greatest
growth. Its rapid growth was due mainly to the new zeal and inspiration that came upon the
leaders of the Tamil speaking churches. It was like the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the
disciples.”

TMC Penang has always been blessed with pastors who in their own way have imparted a
strong sense of faith and trust in God through their teaching and example. With the guidance and
hard work of our pastors, lay people working via committees, agencies and various other church
groups, the members of TMC Penang have ministered to those in need – within our church family,
in our community, in many parts of Malaysia and around the world. There was significant growth
in membership too. The church had now a membership of 191 in 1994.

Fifth Quarter (1995-2019) 125 years
The Church Rejoices in its 125th Celebration (Quasquicentennial Celebrations)

Rev. Victor Vethamani (December 1993 – December 1998) was a great Bible preacher and
teacher. His emphasis on ministry was on understanding the Word and living by it. He was
passionate on teaching the Word and strongly believed that only by understanding the Word, one
can be become effective servants of God.

1995 saw several new happenings. The ministry among the USM students was started. The
first Area Fellowship was conducted at Bandar Baru on the 7th August. The Boys’ Brigade First
Founder’s Day Celebration was held and it was a great success. The MYAF was started under the
leadership of Mr Christian Kirubaisingam and a church library was set up by the Christian
Education Committee.

24