(Kuching, 27th) Located in Kampong Quop, Padawan, St James’ Church, as one of the oldest churches in the Sarawak and Brunei diocese, is about to welcome its historically significant 160th anniversary celebration.
According to a press release, this historic celebration will culminate in a thanksgiving service on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at 3pm, with Reverend Datuk Danald Jute as the keynote speaker. The theme of the thanksgiving service is taken from Psalm 136:3: “Give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.” The entire service will review the Church’s long and inspiring journey through economic hardships, social changes, and even the global pandemic.
Reverend Kebin Anak Su-ur, son of St. James' Church acting pastor Su-ur, said: “This is a historical moment worthy of joy and gratitude. Looking back on God's faithfulness over the past 160 years, may this thanksgiving service inspire us to look to the future with renewed hope and commitment, and continue to experience the presence and blessing of Almighty God in the years to come.”
The celebrations will include praise and worship led by the St. James’ Church choir, with choirs from St Thomas’ Cathedral in Kuching, as well as other parishes, churches, and chapels invited to participate.
The Quop Cultural Team will also present special cultural performances, while members of the “Vessel Church” as well as the youth and children’s ministry teams of St. James’ Church will present dance and drama performances.
To showcase the church’s cultural diversity, the organizers encourage all attendees to dress in traditional or ethnic attire. Limited-edition commemorative T-shirts, mugs, bookmarks, and souvenirs will be available. The service will also be livestreamed online for those unable to attend in person.
Reverend Kebin emphasized the church’s important role in nurturing faith and community cohesion: “What we celebrate is not only our past history, but also our ongoing mission to be a blessing to others.”
All members of St James’ Quop Church, the entire St. James’ parish, as well as the public in Quop and the surrounding areas are invited to attend this rare thanksgiving service.
St. James' Church holds a unique position in Sarawak's history. According to a Sarawak Cultural Heritage Society report, the old church was consecrated in 1865 under the leadership of Father Frederic Abe, the village’s second resident priest.
The original church was a prefabricated structure, similar to several belian hardwood fortifications built at the time. It was first designed and made in Kuching, with its walls, roof and trusses then transported via the Sarawak River and Quop River to its current location, where it was assembled atop a small hill on the edge of the village.
According to a press release, this historic celebration will culminate in a thanksgiving service on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at 3pm, with Reverend Datuk Danald Jute as the keynote speaker. The theme of the thanksgiving service is taken from Psalm 136:3: “Give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.” The entire service will review the Church’s long and inspiring journey through economic hardships, social changes, and even the global pandemic.
The celebrations will include praise and worship led by the St. James’ Church choir, with choirs from St Thomas’ Cathedral in Kuching, as well as other parishes, churches, and chapels invited to participate.
The Quop Cultural Team will also present special cultural performances, while members of the “Vessel Church” as well as the youth and children’s ministry teams of St. James’ Church will present dance and drama performances.
To showcase the church’s cultural diversity, the organizers encourage all attendees to dress in traditional or ethnic attire. Limited-edition commemorative T-shirts, mugs, bookmarks, and souvenirs will be available. The service will also be livestreamed online for those unable to attend in person.
Reverend Kebin emphasized the church’s important role in nurturing faith and community cohesion: “What we celebrate is not only our past history, but also our ongoing mission to be a blessing to others.”
All members of St James’ Quop Church, the entire St. James’ parish, as well as the public in Quop and the surrounding areas are invited to attend this rare thanksgiving service.
St. James' Church holds a unique position in Sarawak's history. According to a Sarawak Cultural Heritage Society report, the old church was consecrated in 1865 under the leadership of Father Frederic Abe, the village’s second resident priest.
The original church was a prefabricated structure, similar to several belian hardwood fortifications built at the time. It was first designed and made in Kuching, with its walls, roof and trusses then transported via the Sarawak River and Quop River to its current location, where it was assembled atop a small hill on the edge of the village.