Ching Ang Methodist Church
Ching Ang Methodist Church was renovated in 2022, as the previous building had fallen into a state of disrepair
The tabernacle, a tent-like structure, was erected by the Hebrew people during their exodus from Egypt and symbolises the presence of God.
In 1903, the first batch of pioneering migrants from China established the church in Sungai Sadit, downstream from Sibu, Sarawak. Despite being poverty-stricken, faith was central to the farming community, and a small school was built alongside the church. Initially an attap shack, the church was rebuilt as a modest timber structure in 1941 and later transformed into a semi-concrete building in 1976. Over the span of 120 years, changes to the church have been inevitable due to dilapidation, spatial inadequacy, and the need to adapt to modern worship trends. The church building has undergone renovations approximately every 30 to 40 years. The client now seeks to continue the legacy of faith with a building that embodies theological thinking, befitting a strong congregation of 400 members.
Starting from a simple attap shack in 1903, the latest design of the church has evolved to include a kindergarten to cater for the growing community
Inspired by the concept of the tabernacle from the Bible, the church features a modern tent-like design, utilising steel and brick with minimal timber to prevent potential termite infestations
The latest version, completed in 2022, is almost entirely constructed from steel and brick, with minimal use of timber to avoid the issues caused by rampant termite infestations. The new church building adopts a tent-like form with an elongated plan, resembling a traditional ‘longhouse’ — a vernacular structure common in Sarawak. The layout is simple and pragmatic. The main entrance leads to the forecourt and worship sanctuary, while a fellowship hall and office are arranged in a linear format, connected by a covered walkway. A three-storey kindergarten was also added over the years, situated next to the church. The kindergarten classrooms and toilet block surround a central rectangular courtyard, creating a cloistered setup. All rooms are single-room depth, ensuring good cross-ventilation and natural light.
The high ceiling in the sanctuary is shaped by the tent-like structure, which creates a sense of spaciousness and openness in the worship area
Though the church building's size has increased with each renovation, all four versions have stood on the same site, creating a unique historical narrative. The salvageable timber windows, doors, frames, panels, and materials that were collected over the years, were reassembled into a church-like structure to house these historical relics — a museum of sorts. This structure is located at a corner of the site and is adjacent to the main church building.
Industrial portal frames were used for practicality and affordability, with a green trellis reducing heat gain and providing food for the farming community
For ease of construction and cost-effectiveness, industrial portal frames were used. The insulated roof is topped with 0.48 mm TCT Bluescope Steel Unilok profile (Vermoe Elegance Olive), fitting seamlessly. A concealed rainwater gutter is integrated into the ‘pergola’-like trellis climbing frame. The long elevation fronting the driveway features a green trellis wall, where the church community grows vining vegetables on weekends. These edible plants provide shade to the exposed elevation, reducing heat gain in the sanctuary. This green feature also reflects the farming community the building serves.
Text by the architect
PROJECT GALLERY