Non-Catholic donates half of Sacred Heart Church’s cost

Published on: Saturday, August 07, 2021

By: British North Borneo Herald

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The Sacred Heart Cathedral today.

16TH SEPT, 1938

An event of historic importance at Jesselton was the formal opening of the $14,000.00 building of the Sacred Heart Church on Sunday the 14th August. Though the finishing touches (painting etc.) are yet to be given, the spacious edifice measuring 140 ft by 42 ft with a seating accommodation for over 500 people and its surroundings presented an attractive appearance when a great concourse of our cosmopolitan population arrived before the appointed time.

In addition to a large number of Catholics for whom it was indeed a red-letter day, the gathering was representative of many Non-Catholics and Non-Christians including a couple of be turbaned sikhs, and the ladies in their multicoloured dressed added to the glamour of the occasion.

Prominent among those present were Mr Tay Bee Chuan and family, Mr and Mrs T.J.H. Speedy, Mr James Beatty, Mr and Mrs C.D. Round Turner, Mrs E.R. Baker, Mr A.E. Tremenheere and representatives of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and other Associations.

The opening ceremony commenced punctually at 8 a.m. when Monsignor A. Wachter, the Prefect Apostolic of North Borneo, with his two assistants Rev. Fathers A. Sint and J. Van Haaren proceeded from the Sacristy of the old Church to bless the new Church. The choir under the capable direction of Sister St. Luke chanted the Litany of All Saints.

After the blessing a Pontifical High Mass was celebrated in the spacious sanctuary, the tile-flooring of which is the gift of Mr and Mrs T.J.H Speedy. Monsignor Wachter in glowing terms alluded to Mr Tay Bee Chuan’s very generous donation of $7,000.00 in the memory of his elder brother Tay Bee Yong who passed to the Great Beyond in China in 1934.

It was very largely due to the generosity of this philanthropist that the erection of the building was made possible and the fact that he is a Non-Catholic himself makes his contribution all the more appreciative.

The official opening of the church was attended by non-Christians as well, including Sikhs and Bobohizans (priestesses). It was officiated by Monsignor A Wachter from Austria, who was among several priests taken away from the Penampang St Michael’s parish to Tenom and executed by the Japanese during the war.

The Right Reverend Monsignor also referred to the liberal contributions made by members of the congregation and to all whom he expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation.

That evening the event of the day was commemorated by an interesting dinner party at which some forty persons participated. In the convivial atmosphere of this representative gathering a special letter of thanks and appreciation was sent to Mr Tay Bee Chuan who was unavoidably unable to attend the party. The speeches veered from the serious to the lighter vein as Monsignor Wachter, Fathers A. Verhoeveh, F. Sint and J. Van Haaren spoke in turn.

Mr Paul Lee Ah Onn took this opportunity to voice the feelings of the local Catholic community in general and Old Boys of Sacred Heart School in particular, towards. Rev. Father V. Weber who has now retired to Penampang and it was regrettable that in view of his advanced age he was unable to be present there in person.

It was he who founded the Jesselton Mission more than 30 years ago and was mainly instrumental in the erection of the original Convent and School buildings. The value of his work in the cause of local education could hardly be overstressed and in his Mission work he has been truly like the “Shepherds who do not drive but lead the way”.

The turnout at the church.

A sad note in the rejoicings was the reminder of the very unfortunate accident which befell Brother Gregory who was principally responsible for the designing of the building. While supervising the raising of some heavy rafters, a scaffolding gave way he was precipitated into space from the roof and landed on a heap of spars and scantlings.

His left knee was seriously injured and he was obliged to proceed home to his Native Tyrol where he will probably remain a cripple for the rest of his life. It was decided to send him a message conveying the thanks, appreciation and sympathy of the local parishioners and wishing him a speedy recovery.

Brother Alexander who took over the work of supervision carried out his duties satisfactorily and an expression of thanks was tendered to hint by the Rector on behalf of the parish.

A well deserved tribute was paid to the present Rector, Rev. Father A. Verhoeven who had been a “live wire” behind the scenes and whose efforts and energy were mainly responsible for the completion of this building scheme within a year of commencing work.