St. George's Anglican Church, Penang, Malaysia

The church is one of the oldest surviving Christian congregations in Southeast Asia, dating back all the way to early 1800s. Aside from having such a well-kept and iconic landmark of the old town, it's still very much an active congregation where the weekly services and other activities are still going on. Attended their Christmas service - the attendance was a healthy mix of church members, locals, and visitors. It also has a small museum cum library next to the main building, commemorating the history of Christianity and specifically Anglicanism in Penang and Malaya. Too bad I came when it was closed, maybe I will pay a visit one more time here if I have a chance.

St. George’s Anglican Church is a beautiful and peaceful landmark in Penang. As one of the oldest Anglican churches in Southeast Asia, it carries a strong sense of history and grace. The white colonial architecture is elegant and well preserved, and the quiet surroundings make it a lovely place to pause and appreciate the heritage of the city. A meaningful stop for anyone exploring George Town’s historic sites.

Beautiful English Church With Captain Francis Light memorial and the last remaining mahogany tree still on the garden after being bombed by the Japanese in WW2

The church was barricaded and was under renovation when we visited, so we couldn't enter inside. We walked around and visited the Francis Light Memorial. Realised the museum was closed after 12pm. We only spend less than 10 mins there. We were a little disappointed. But the building looks gorgeous from the outside.

Had a snarky experience with the staff at heritage centre when i was doing the stamps, she did say hello and i did say hello back maybe softly… i proceeded to do the stamps as most places would allowed to do so… without saying much, was placed at the table and i requested as she came by if i could stamp on personal book.. she replied back” u already stamped u must ask first mah” Coming from a Christian background myself i was pretty shocked at her reply and response… shouldnt u be inviting and receptive not showing attitude those who come to the holy area regardless of who they are… even if i am a tourist who came so far to visit this place and coming from Anglican school myself I get it that maybe she wanted me ask for her permission … but look at my perspective i came here late afternoon from further north and with its short opening time 9-1pm … this was the only stamp i was left incomplete since i came at 4-5pm .i was disappointed made a morning trip at 9am this indian lady shove me her attitude back for my morning endeavours… at 945am Please do reflect that the stamps are part of a travelers journey and should be freely accessible to all …. Not frowned upon as if is their personal property is supposed to be a fun journey until at St George church

Salam sejahtera... greetings... Magnificent... Staff at heritage center very friendly and welcoming... A must visit place in Penang..

It is a place that welcomes both believers and tourists. You can come and visit the place.

Some work was being done when we visited but there is another beautiful church next door that can be visited too

Constructed in 1818, St. George's Church is the oldest Anglican church built as a church in Southeast Asia. It stands out in Penang for its mismatch of Neo-Classical, Georgian and English Palladian architecture. We stopped by due to a photo of my friend's Dutch relative married there in the 1930s, and my friend wanted to replicate the photo. There were a few friendly church members volunteering as docents. They showed us various parts of the sanctuary, and informed us about the heavy damage from Japanese bombing and subsequent looting in WWII. It's not a grand church by any means, but historically important to the former British colony and one of the Malaysian government's 13 national heritage buildings to be preserved.

Wonderful Church, Historical Building, Multi Lingual Guides Friendly and well informed Guides. Built out of Sandstone and lime and using Mahogany Beam as reinforcement. Lovely Heritage Centre too. James