The church’s first wedding

Published on: Saturday, August 07, 2021

By: British North Borneo Herald

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THE first wedding at the newly erected Sacred Heart Church. Jesselton - which was solemnly opened on the 14th of August, 1938 fittingly took place on 17th August, 1938, at 7.30am when Miss Philomena Shim Ah Mann who, until lately, was on the Nursing Staff of the Civil Hospital, Jesselton, became the bride of Mr Nicholas Moo Yun Shin who belongs to the Medical Department, Beaufort and is the eldest son of Mr and Mrs Moo Thau Min of Kudat, well known to the Kudat Community - Mr Moo Thau Min is a Government Pensioner of the Railway Department.

The Very Rev. Father A. Verhoeven, Rector, conducted the Nuptial Ceremony whilst the Choir afforded special music.

The bride who was given away by her eldest brother, Mr Peter Shim Fatt, looked bright and charming as she walked to the Altar in her dress of white silk carrying a bouquet of white lilies to match and followed by two golden filleted flower girls, Misses Thien Ah Lan and Shim Kui Yin, carrying the trail of the bridal veil.

The best man was Mr Philip Lee Tau Sang of the Civil Hospital, Jesselton, whilst the duties of the bridesmaid were suitably carried out by Miss Margaret Shim, niece of the bride. Among the great crowd of well-wishers who attended the marriage was Dr and Mrs J.P. Taylor who generously provided the bride and bridegroom with the “bridal car”.

After the ceremony a reception was held at the “Khiun Chow Club”, Jesselton, when they entertained their numerous relatives and friends, including the Medical Staff, Jesselton, and received many pretty and useful presents as a remembrance of their wedding day. The newly married couple sailed for their home at Kudat on the following day to spend their “honeymoon”. All wish them a truly happy married life.