By 1960, the Air Itam preaching point had grown rapidly in ministry and finances and had become self-supporting. To facilitate its work and administration, its members requested independent status as a local church charge. The Local Conference approved this on 11 July, followed by approval from the District and Annual Conferences. Eighty members were transferred from the mother church. From the start of ministry in Air Itam in 1903 to its independence, this church had nurtured it for fifty-seven years. Frequent changes of meeting venue had made the work difficult. Meetings had been held in a wooden house in 垄尾, a shophouse in 栳孝街, Sister 陈金杯’s home in 甘比光桑, and 毓南 School in 海客园. Only with the completion of the new church in 1950 did it gain a stable place of worship and a firm foundation for future growth.
The Rev. 蔡约翰 retired in 1962. The Annual Conference appointed the respected and learned Rev. 殷文宗 from Ipoh to lead the church. Gifted in poetry, calligraphy and painting, and esteemed for his spiritual maturity and character, he was highly regarded in the Annual Conference. He worked tirelessly for the church’s progress, especially evangelism in smaller towns, and made substantial contributions. Members relied greatly on his leadership. He also emphasised their spiritual growth. In addition to the regular fellowship and prayer meetings, he began early-morning prayer meetings every Saturday in early 1963, attracting strong support from devoted members.
The Rev. 殷文宗
On 17 February 1964, the church began evangelistic work in Butterworth, holding worship in a sister’s home and seeking opportunities to share the gospel with local residents.
Butterworth Church1964: established
In 1965, Mr 黄绍安 was appointed full-time to the Butterworth ministry. When he resumed theological studies in 1966, responsibility returned to this church’s minister in charge, who served there on a rotational basis. Progress was slow, but members’ willingness to give their time, resources and support was deeply encouraging. A proposal to purchase land and build a church was set aside after negotiations failed. In 1966, with mission support, funds were allocated to purchase jointly with the English congregation a shophouse on the present Pantai Road site for worship. Church officers 陈鸣岐, 陈宏济 and 许建发 were appointed as liaison committee members to oversee property and mission matters.
The Rev. 黄绍安
This church carried responsibility for the Butterworth ministry for six years, until it was transferred to the District Conference in 1970. Financial support from this church continued on a gradually reducing basis.
In April 1966, the Rev. 洪瑞云 went to Hong Kong for three months of medical treatment. After returning, she resigned to recuperate at home. In September, the Rev. 黄银溪 was appointed resident minister of the Jelutong preaching point. This diligent service won the affection and cooperation of members and contributed greatly to the ministry’s steady progress.
The Rev. 黄银溪
In 1968, evangelist Ms 庄家珍 retired after twenty years of dedicated service to this church. The young evangelist Ms 陈秀音 was appointed to succeed her. She served conscientiously and faithfully fulfilled the responsibilities entrusted to her.
Ms 庄家珍
Ms 陈秀音