Catholic Church of the Assumption to undergo refurbishment in September

GEORGE TOWN: More than 200 years after it was built, the Catholic Church of the Assumption in Lebuh Farquhar here is to undergo extensive refurbishment works starting in September.
Penang Bishop Rev Sebastian Francis said it was timely to restore the church to provide a conducive environment for the faithful to partake in services while tourists and pilgrims can revel in new surroundings.
He said the congregation will contribute half a million ringgit while the balance is expected to be raised through fund raising activities.
"I appeal to all Catholics and the public to contribute by way of donations to this prestigious project," he said at a press conference today before leading media members on a tour of the church.
The Bishop was accompanied by restoration committee chairman Father Gerard Theraviam, fund-raising committee chairman John Lau and project architect Edmond Khoo.
Gerard said the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has already approved restoration plans in April this year.
He said the works include replacing the glass louvres windows, re-purposing the timber shutter windows and that extensive repairs will be carried out inside and outside the church.
New amenities will also be installed and upgraded to enhance comfort including a new air conditioning system, new sound system, new projectors, rewiring works and internal and external lighting, he added.
Lau said fund raising activities will be organised to raise money including a food fair to be held on Dec 3.
The church was established by Captain Francis Light after he opened Penang island as a British trading post in 1786.
The building was completed in 1861 while the last upgrade work conducted on the cross-shaped structure was done in 1928.
The church grabbed headlines in Jan 2014 after a molotov cocktail was thrown into the compound causing a fire near the St Virign Mary shrine.