Church of the Holy Name of Jesus, Balik Pulau

Church of the Holy Name of Jesus (20 December 2008)


The Church of the Holy Name of Jesus (GPS: 5.35311, 100.23691) is a colonial-style church in Balik Pulau. This Balik Pulau Church was built in 1854, making it one of the older churches in Penang. However, the beginning of this church can be traced even earlier, to 1845, when the first parish priest, Reverent Fr. Ducotey held the inaugural Eucharist at a then attap hut.

The nave of the present church was built between 1871 and 1881 during the time of Reverend Fathers J. Lo, Kremel and Galmel, where were instrumental in founding the St George's and Sacred Heart schools in Balik Pulau.

The stained glass windows of the Church of the Holy Name of Jesus (29 January 2005)


Renovations and extensions continued to be added to the church throughout the 19th and 20th century. In 1881, Reverend Fr. Page added the sanctuary and two wings. The beautiful stained-glass windows were added by him. They were made in Belgium according to his own designs. In 1917, the bell tower was added, and a tenor bell was commissioned from the famous bell foundry of La Savoyarde in Annecy, France.

The latest round of restoration work was carried out under the supervision of Reverend Father Peter Shyu, who took over the parish in July 1999. Restoration committee was formed on Christmas 2000, and the project included repairs to cracks and broken stained-glass windows. The project was completed on March 2003, in time for the church to celebrate its 150th birthday, which it did in style, on January 2004.

Grounds of the Church of the Holy Name of Jesus (22 July 2006)


Rear side of the Church of the Holy Name of Jesus (29 January 2005)

Getting there

The nearest bus stop is on Jalan Tun Sardon, about 5-10 minutes' walk away. It is served by Rapid Penang bus 401, 401E, 403, 404, 501 and 502.

Steeple of the Church of the Holy Name of Jesus (22 July 2006)


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List of Churches in Penang and Churches in Malaysia