History of Gospel Hall Kuala Lumpur

In the late 19th century, Kuala Lumpur’s wealth was in it’s tin mines and many people were attracted by it, especially the Chinese from Guantong province in China. Mr. and Mrs. E. Eagger travelled from Penang during this “boom” time and in October 1889 discovered a large harvest field but few Christian workers. Being conversant in Hakka, Mr. Eagger began preaching the gospel to the predominantly Hakka Chinese community.

Upon Mr. Eagger’s application, the Selangor Government in June 1893 granted a piece of land in Davidson Road for the establishment of a new mission. A plan was submitted for the construction of a wooden house with attap roof at the estimated cost of GBP200. A few years later, the congregation had grown creating the need for more space. This need was met with the construction of a brick building with a seating capacity of 200 people. In 1939 after two years of prayer and effort under the guidance of Mr. Ma Tham Shun, the present church hall was constructed with contributions from church members and other Chinese as well as English speaking Brethren Assemblies in Malaya. The first service in the hall was conducted on July 1, 1939 amidst much joy and thanksgiving.

Mr. and Mr.s T.T. Angus arrived to work with the Hakka tin miners and in October 1903 found “a crying need for the gospel on every hand” but few to meet the need. Training locals to serve the Lord proved difficult as the miners led a rather nomadic life and were unable to attend church regularly. This changed when Mr. Ma Tham Shun in 1914 devoted his life to the Lord’s service. Just before the Second World War engulfed the Pacific, the aging Mr. Thomas Angus returned to Scotland and was replaced by his son David Angus and wife. David spent the Japanese Occupation years as a prisoner of war in the Singapore Changi prison and during this time, senior and well-educated brethren continued the work.

When the missionaries returned after the war they encouraged young people to help in the work when they realised that the local brothers were able to preach the gospel and teach the Word. Miss Gibson who was also interned in Changi returned to help by ministering to the women.

The assembly steadily grew in the period between 1960 - 1970. Assemblies were planted in Petaling Jaya and Kepong. Assistance was given to English speaking assemblies in Klang, Seremban, Temerloh and Raub which started Chinese work in their respective towns.

In January 1983, an English Worship service was established to cater to the needs of the English speaking offspring of the Chinese speaking congregation, and for Straits born Chinese who understand very little Chinese. The English and Chinese services were conducted simultaneously, with the English speaking congregation meeting in the Auxiliary Hall. Today, the English Worship service has a membership of about 100 members.

Map to Gospel Hall Kuala Lumpur
History of the Brethren