St. John's Anglican Church, Ipoh
OPEN FOR PUBLIC. SOME AREAS MAY BE PROHIBITED.
CHARGES MAY APPLY FOR SOME AREAS OR ACTIVITIES.
Also known as the Church of St. John the Divine, stands as a testament to the city's rich colonial heritage and enduring spiritual legacy. Consecrated on 30 April 1912, this red-brick Gothic-style structure was designed by the Singapore-based architectural firm Messrs. Williams, Draper and Steadman. Its construction was made possible through the efforts of Reverend J.P. Parry, the first Chaplain of South Perak and the support of the local Anglican community. Originally intended to be built with granite, the design was modified due to cost considerations, resulting in the distinctive red-brick façade that remains today.
The church's architecture features a nave measuring 72 feet in length, flanked by side aisles, a chancel, vestry and a west-end porch. The interior boasts polished oak chancel furniture and a lectern, originally donated by a member of the congregation. The roof is adorned with red Marseille tiles and the structural beams are crafted from Cengal Batu wood, while Meranti wood is used for the walls and ceiling. The mortar used in construction was a unique blend of fine sand, slaked lime, coconut fibre, sugar and egg-white.
During the Japanese Occupation in World War II, the church was repurposed as a noodle factory and many of its original features were lost or damaged. The pews were used for firewood and the marble base of the pulpit was destroyed. However, a processional cross, presented by the Royal Society of St. George in 1941, was preserved by a parishioner and returned to the church after the war.
Post-war, the church underwent restoration and continued to serve the community. In 1925, Reverend Graham White established Chinese and Tamil vernacular sections of the parish, reflecting the church's commitment to serving a diverse congregation. He also founded the Anglican School in Ipoh in 1928.
Today, St. John's Anglican Church remains an active place of worship and a significant heritage site in Ipoh. It is part of the city's Heritage Trail and continues to welcome visitors interested in its historical and architectural significance.
