by DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Nov 26: St James’ Church at Kampong Quop, Padawan, one of the oldest churches in the Diocese of Sarawak and Brunei, will mark a historic milestone with the celebration of its 160th Anniversary.
According to a press release, the historic celebration will culminate with a Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at 3pm, with Reverend Datuk Danald Jute as the guest preacher. Themed “Give thanks to the Lord of lords; for His steadfast love endures forever” (Psalm 136:3, ESV), the service will reflect on the church’s long and inspiring journey, spanning economic hardships, social changes, and even global pandemics.
“This is a historic occasion that calls for joy and gratitude,” said Vicar of St James’ Parish, Reverend Kebin Anak Su-ur.
“As we look back on 160 years of God’s faithfulness, may this Thanksgiving Service inspire us to look ahead with renewed hope and commitment. May we continue to experience the presence and blessings of Almighty God in the years to come.”
The celebration will include praise and worship, which will be led by the St James’ Church Choir, joined by choristers from St Thomas’ Cathedral, Kuching, and the choirs of other parishes, churches, and chapels.
The Quop Cultural Team will also present a special cultural performance, while members of Vessel Church, together with the Youth and Children Ministries of St James’ Church, will performing a dance and drama presentation.
In honour of the church’s cultural diversity, all members of the congregation are encouraged to wear traditional or cultural attire, while commemorative items such as T-shirts, mugs, bookmarks, and souvenirs will be available for purchase as keepsakes. The service will also be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person.
Reverend Kebin emphasised the church’s role in nurturing faith and community: “We celebrate not only our past, but also our calling to be a blessing to others.”
All members of St James’ Church, Quop, the Parish of St James, and the people of Quop and beyond are warmly invited to attend this once-in-a-lifetime Thanksgiving Service.
St James’ Church holds a unique place in Sarawak’s history. According to a report by the Sarawak Heritage Society, the old church was first consecrated in 1865 under the guidance of Father Frederic Abe, the second resident priest in the kampong.
Originally a prefabricated structure, similar to numerous belian forts built during that era, the church was first designed and made in Kuching. The walls, roof, and trusses were then shipped along the Sarawak and Quop rivers and assembled on its current site on a small hill at the edge of the kampong. – DayakDaily
