Historic Building - St. Michael's Church, Penampang
The St. Michael's Church located in Penampang, is one of the oldest Roman Catholic church in Sabah. The construction of the church started in 1936 but was halted because of World War II. The construction resumed after the war and was completed in 1947. The church was saved from bombings as only the walls were constructed when it first started, the warplanes couldn't see it because the buildings have no roof. It was said that if the roof has been constructed back then, the building would have surely been bombed.
The St. Michael's church is the only Roman Catholic church in Sabah that is built by using rocks. I'm not sure what type of rocks is being used, but it does look like granite. It would have been magnificent if the builders could have taken a picture of its construction in the early stages, I tried to look for it but unfortunately, I couldn't find any. I would love to see the original blueprints on how the architects might have pictured it, but such documents are not kept by the church's administration office.
For the people of Penampang, this building holds a significant historical value to them. Same as my self, most people of the Penampang District would love to have their exchange of vows of the Holy Matrimony held in this church. My parents got married in this church in 1963, and 41 years later, I followed their footsteps and got married in the same church in 2004. My brother and my sister also got married in this church, same goes for my other relatives. There is something special about this church that attracts people to visit it or wanted their wedding conducted there, maybe because of it's historical aura or because of its unique architecture.
The St. Michael's Church is the pride and joy of the Penampang people. The building's historical facts, uniqueness, and spiritual significance led most of us people of Penampang to believe that it is a symbol of hope, unification, peace, and harmony. We truly believe that the church is a gift from God that strengthen our belief in Him and that he is the protector and the guardian of this district for years and years to come.
Hi @beverlyjoe, just for additional input. Back in 1936, there was no transportation nowadays. Water buffalo was the only carriage to carry the stones.and this stones was carried all the way from moyog river. This stones is well known as papang.it is significant to the name of penampang. The stones were so thick I think more than 400 mm. This church building was build by the people of penampang.back then people penampang was united as united and committed to their faith. The church is the only place where penampang people get their education .years after years people get education and eventually the church self funded by the people.Remember this it is the unity that the church is still exist till today.
You are right, the Church is the symbol of unity of the people. Thank you about the additional details on how those stones was being transported and from where it came from.
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