On 15 January 1990, a 95th–100th Anniversary Committee was formed to plan celebrations from the church’s ninety-fifth to its centenary year. A Centenary Celebration Committee was formally constituted in early 1993.
On 12 March 1990, the Bayan Baru preaching point requested administrative autonomy, which the Local Church Executive Committee (LCEC) approved at the meeting. This would prepare the preaching point to become a local church charge. That year, several approaches were made to secure land for a church building. On 10 May, representatives met officers of the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) to request religious-use land in the Bayan area or in Seberang Jaya, Butterworth. On 14 May, they met representatives of Farlim Group to discuss purchasing land in the Thean Teik area, where the developer was said to have reserved a site for religious use. Neither proposal succeeded.
On 13 August, the Bayan Baru preaching point applied for permission to become a local church charge in 1991. This church agreed, and the proposal received approval through the District Superintendent at the District Conference and subsequently from the Annual Conference. Bayan Baru formally became a local church charge on 1 December 1991, with the Rev. 詹 as its minister in charge.
Mission work in Bayan Baru had begun in August 1978, more than thirteen years earlier. Under God’s guidance, it had progressed rapidly. Its establishment as a local church charge opened up greater possibilities for mission and evangelism in the area.
The church’s sanctuary was a dignified and beautiful historic building, but its age made maintenance both frequent and difficult. Growing car ownership had also left the car park inadequate. In its city-centre location, noise and heat often disrupted gatherings. A proposal was therefore made to replace the sanctuary and Dorcas Hall with a multistorey building: a large car park at ground level, a multipurpose centre above it, and a sanctuary seating 1,500 on the upper level. It was intended as a centenary offering. A sanctuary redevelopment design group was formed on 1 March 1991 and submitted preliminary drawings and a report on 10 June, estimating the cost at approximately RM4 million. A redevelopment committee was established and fundraising began. Three years later, on 10 October 1994, the church learned that the municipal council had conditionally accepted the preliminary plans, requiring the front portions of the sanctuary and adjoining hall to be retained. As these retained sections would occupy a substantial part of the site and compromise the proposed sanctuary, the redevelopment plan was abandoned.
In June 1991, a Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade company, the 12th Penang Company, was formed. Its inauguration and installation service took place on 27 October. Under Captain 柯炳顺, a brass band was organised on 4 July 1993, with members learning to play various instruments.
In April 1992, the congregation was organised into thirty-four home groups for mutual care, fellowship and more effective service. In July, the Rev. 黄 travelled to South Korea for a prayer retreat and visits to local churches.
On Christmas Day, 25 December 1993, the church departed from its usual house-to-house carolling and held a Christmas evening programme in the Methodist Girls’ School hall. Entitled “The Best Gift”, it featured praise, singing, a short message and a drama about Noah, with gospel tracts and Christian books distributed. The hall was full, and the programme was warmly received.
In early 1995, during preparations for the centenary, the LCEC gradually revised the sanctuary redevelopment proposal into a plan to rebuild the Christian Education Centre. It would be named the Methodist Century Building, commemorating both the church’s centenary and its entry into the twenty-first century. On 9 January, the committee resolved instead to expand the adjoining Dorcas Hall, replacing it with a six-storey multipurpose centre containing a large hall, Sunday School and kindergarten classrooms, and a ground-level car park. Alterations and air-conditioning were also planned for the sanctuary and 文萃 Hall. As the centenary celebrations were approaching, the works were deferred until afterwards. More than RM2 million had been raised by that time.
A series of programmes marked this historic anniversary. In March, Dr 钟志邦 presented talks on building happy families. In April, performers 东方比利 and 潘秀琼 shared evangelistic testimonies. The centenary celebration evening was held on 1 May, followed by spiritual renewal meetings led by the Rev. 周神助 of Taiwan from 2 to 4 May. A centenary thanksgiving and praise service and fellowship banquet took place on 5 May.
100th Anniversary Commemorative Publication
As we celebrate the church’s centenary, we remember the pioneers who overcame many difficulties to establish a congregation that has grown strong and fruitful. Looking back, let us offer praise and thanksgiving while also looking ahead. Church growth depends on God’s grace and on more brothers and sisters offering themselves in service. Such participation advances the church’s ministries and also encourages personal spiritual growth. May all our brothers and sisters in Christ serve the Lord with greater diligence and a united heart.