Save Penang Oldest Catholic Cemetery

by chowm

Sitting in the midst of George Town, the oldest Catholic cemetery in Penang is an oasis of peacefulness. The cool shade provided by the Frangipanni trees and the "multi-national residents" buried here are pleasant surprises to any visitors who chance upon this hidden land. Dated back to the late 18th century, the St. Xaviers' Church Catholic cemetery, together with the neighbouring Protestant burial site are the oldest burial grounds in this city which was founded by Captain Francis Light in 1786.

More than 204 tombs dotted the cemetery in rows and the legible earliest tomb dated 1798 belonging to one Portugese lady originated from Macao. The sisters from the Infant Jesus order and De La Salle brothers were buried here, including the founders of the Convent School Light Street, the oldest girls school in Malaysia and among the most renowned Catholic Mission schools in Southeast Asia. Other nationals laid here include the British, Irish, French, German, Dutch, Portugese, Chinese, Thai, Tamil etc. Of course the biggest group came from the Eurasian community who escaped the persecution in southern Siam in the 18th century and settled on this island under the invitation of Captain Light.

Unfortunately, after 2 centuries of resting in peace ( and neglect), the Bishop of Penang decided the old cemetery is an eyesore and plans to convert it into a children's playground by exhuming what ever remains there and relocate them to a small corner. A hastily compiled name list copied from a small selection of the tomb inscriptions were published in local newspapers to fulfill the governments' requirement before officially exhuming the cemetery. As such, all Chinese tombs were conveniently ignored, wild guesses on the names of the deceased can be easily detected: the German inscription "Hier Ruhet" which means "Here rests" is registered as a person's name. Some individual tombs could appear to belong to 2 to 4 different persons by playing on the name sequence.

A number of heritage conservation groups are trying to save this plot of historical land. If you think this is a worthy cause to do so, please lend your support here. You can register your comment here and send your protest note to:

The Bishop, Monsignor Anthony Selvanayam, Catholic Diocesan Centre, 290 MacAlister Road, 10450 PENANG, West Malaysia.

email: pgdioce@pd.jaring.my

Central path of the Catholic Cemetery
Despite more than 200 years in existence, the main path leading to the burial...

Oldest tomb : 1798
This elegant tomb belong to one Portugese lady by the name of Rita...

German Musician
This is a tomb belonging to one musician named Ferdinand Schmidt who...

Chinese tomb
A chinese tomb in good condition. About 30 tombs with distinctive...

Nameless Majestic Tombs
A number of grand, majestic tombs are found within the cemetery. All the name...

Exhumation Name List
This is the "exhumation" list with 73 names compiled from the...

Anna Nicholas
In the early days of colonial settlement in Penang, many pioneers lost their...

Iron Cross
The metal chain has gone missing but nonetheless the tomb was once...

Grand Tomb
Another grand looking tomb with corinthian columns support. It is...

Side Entrance
There is a small door way to the adjoining Protestant cemetery where Captain...

Baby Tomb
Peter Zabielskis, a visiting scholar from the Australian National University...

The Catholic Missionaries
The sisters of the Infant Jesus were the first group of Catholic nuns...

Baron de Soussignac from France
A baron by the name of LOUIS ADRIEN PIERRE DE LAPEYRIE from...

All Souls' Day
A group of former students from the Convent school offered their...

Verhulst from Amsterdam
Inscribed in Dutch, Charles Hugo Verhulst was born in Amsterdam on 24...

Jane Alice McIntyre
Affectionate tribute to the memory of Jane Alice the bloved wife of C.A....

Maria Eliza Bacon
An 11 year old girl met her death and was buried here.

Carolina & James Ash
In loving memory of CAROLINA ASH WHO DIED ON 24TH MAY 1871 Also of...

Celine Zachariah, Ireland
SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF CELINA ZECHARIAH BORN ON 25 JULY 1836 AT THOMASTOWN...

Catholic Tamil
The early Tamils migrated from India also formed a portion of the Catholic...

article published 7/7/2004

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I first learnt of this cemetery last year when it was discovered that a distant relative of mine, Colin Chisholm, was buried there in 1887. I am delighted that this resting ground has been allowed to remain for the time being. There have been similar problems with many of the older cemeteries around the world as the living relatives become more remote and less attention is payed to the preservation of these sites. If this site should ever be redeveloped in the future, I sincerely hope that a proper record will be kept of the existing graves including photographs and full copies of the inscriptions on the graves. Meanwhile, I wonder if anyone reading this would be in a position to provide a photograph of my ancestor, Colin Chisholm, who lies at rest there?

Thank you Alastair Chisholm
— ALASTAIR CHISHOLM, December 30, 2009

Thank you so much.

One of the gravemarkers is for an ancestor whose name I didn't know. So I, for one, am incredibly appreciative of the work done.
— Jill, December 13, 2009

I visited Penang in 2005. On my mother's side, we are descended of the Martins of Penang who eventually moved to KL btween 1905 and 1930. I visited this cemetery and found it a great shame that it has been reduced to such a state. Cemeteries are important places for those who trace their ancestry to Southeast Asia.

I noticed a post by Anne Taylor (Martin) in June 2008 where she says that her great-great-greatgrandfather is Captain Martin. I wonder if this is the same as Captain James Martin who operated his ships out of Pondicherry and Penang. If so, I would be really keen for Anne to contact me as Captain James Martin was my great-great-grandfather! vwijeysingha@googlemail.com. Many thanks.
— Dr Vincent Wijeysingha, November 9, 2009

descendants of Sir Francis light
I recently went to the cemetary and yes it is in pathetic state. I went to the protestant cemetary too. I am trying to put together a family tree of Sir francis light. If any one can shed light, I would be gratefull
— laurajoseph, October 30, 2008

Old Penang cemetary
I live in Australia and went to Penang in search of my Great great Grandfather's (Captain Martin) whose grave I saw many years ago and could not find it on this occasion. I was shocked by the condition of the cemetary. Captain Martin married a Chinese lady (of one of the pioneering families).
— Anne Taylor (Martin), June 27, 2008

Mrs.
I have strong family connections to Penang as my ancestors the De Faciuex were there before moving to Selangor.I was born in Malaya and went to school in Penang. My husband's family were in Malaya too. My son's wife's family descends from Captain Light and the princess of Siam (Rozella family) Cemetries are considered to be of great historical importance. This cemetry should have great significance to the church and should remain to represent the families that are still part of the Catholic community. Please leave the cemetry as a sacred place don't destroy catholic heritage and history. Kind regards, Elizabeth
— Marie Elizabeth RAnsom, September 30, 2007

Please do something to save the cemetery
I went to have a look at this Catholic cemetery which is next to the Protestants cemetery where Captain Francis Light was buried. I'm shocked and dismay by the rapid deterioration of the tombs there. Looks like the Church has stopped the Municipal Council to clean up the compound periodically. Wild bushes were sprouting on top of the tombstones and cracking them. I heard from the inner source that the Bishop intentionally neglects the cemetery in the hope that the entire area looks like an abandoned land and he could justify the removal of all historic tombs and realise his dream to convert the cemetery to other uses, which we all know that it will mean more $$$ will go into his pockets. As a Catholic, I'm sad that Penang is so unfortunate to have an unrighteous religious figure leading the Church and selling off most of the church land under his tutilege. May God guide him back to the right path..Amen..
— Alan, March 13, 2007

My mother,aunt,grandpa,grand aunt, great grandpa and great grandma are all buried in the penang Catholic cemetary and one aunt in the protestant cemetary. I live overseas, whenever i come back I make it a point to visit mum's and all my relationn's graves. It certainly is a place of serenity and peace. Since a child I have always been in awe of this lovely place and still am. It has got some very lovely monumental tombs, a rememberance of time gone by and our very own heritage. Should we be proud of this and conserve our heritage for the future generations. People from other parts of the world should be able to share and see part of our this cultural heritage too. Please save part of our lovely Pearl/Island.
— Barbara, May 3, 2006

Bishop agreed to stop exhumation
Good news to Penang ! Finally our dear Bishop has gracefully agreed to stop any exhumation exercise and will work with the descendants on how to restore the cemetery back to its former glory. God bless you...
— Alison, December 8, 2004

Pray for the fate of the cemetery
At this moment, the bishop is at a stand-off with the descendants and the conservationists on the cemetery issue. Another worse news: the "Uplands School" site at Kelawai Road has been sold off to a property developer. Uplands School is the most beautiful and grandest old school in the island and the chapel inside is indisputably a true masterpiece. Does the Catholic clergy care about conservation? Perhaps quick bucks in hand is more important!
— Gerald Tan, November 2, 2004

I just looked at the pix & comments again. can you update me on what's happening with the cemetery? will it be preserved??
— Lorraine Brecht, October 25, 2004

Keep up the good work
Read in the newspaper about the clean-up work on the cemetery by the descendents and other helpers. My full support goes to all of you for your bravery and firm commitment to a good social course. The argument to blame the descendants not taking care of their ancestors' tombs is ridiculous. After 200 years, would you know where your ancestor 6 generations ago buried ? The onus is on the Church to take care of the cemetery. After all, the Bishop collects the cemetery fund from the parishioners at least once a month, where did the money go ?
— SH Lim, October 14, 2004

Children don't want to play there
Being a regular visitor to the St. Joseph Homes, I can testify that none of the orphans there are interested to play on this cemetery land now or in future. Like any other Malaysian children, they consider playing on cemetery or ex-cemetery land could bring them bad luck or nightmare. I suggest that the Church sell off this land to the State government and leave the upkeeping to the authorities or these conservationists. No point for the Church to hold on to a piece of land that it does not care anymore.
— Christina Gopal, October 11, 2004

The Agenda behind ?
I'm saddened by a spate of incidents that happened to the Church in recent years under the tutelage of our Rev.Bishop Selvanayagam. There is a lack of transparency & accountability involving church land and fund transactions. When the parishioners and Fr. Paul Chin from the Church of the Holy Spirit demanded explanation on the fund movements a few years back, it was met with angry curses from the Bishop and banishment of Fr. Paul to Tg Malim. Some priest here is seen speculating in shares and became a topic of gossip among the Penangites. I wish to bring to the public attention that while this cemetery land is purported cleared for the orphans' playground due to the lack of space in the St. Xavier's Church, the poor residents and volunteers at the "Lighthouse" diocesan have been told to vacate their premises at the left side of the same Church, due to some new "development" requirement - another church land for sale ?
— Theresa Lee, October 11, 2004

Why? Part 3
Besides, I didnt see anyone there praying for these souls. What I suggest is if these graves are eventually exhumed, before it does, get a team to research the names and log it so further research can be done on their lives and put into a presentation and finally a memorial plaque etc. Lets not be caught up in the emotion of physical things, maybe if we prayed for their souls, it would bear more weight than any protests. In conclusion, Im sorry if Ive stepped on anyones toes, but I believe kindness should be our trademark as it was with our ancestors and not unity through division. God bless you all & may the souls of our ancestors rest in Peace always and forever!
— Ramon Gomez, October 6, 2004

why? Part 2
I suspect none of you are currently living next to a cemetery, so you wouldnt know how negative it is to ones mind, especially with kids (most of whom come from broken homes/orphans) who are less privileged than us. Jesus wants us all to be like children, so by allowing & accepting them (children) into our hearts, we would also be allowing Jesus into our hearts too. I admit I was shocked at the news too, but then I realised that a playground for underprivileged kids and it would be what our ancestors', who in their pioneering spirit wanted a better life for everyone thus a better Future Not Past. I visited these grounds in June, funny that I was the only one there! The catholic cemetery behind was in utter desolation, so I doubt a few rakes and a cangkul would do it justice.
— ramon Gomez, October 6, 2004

Why? Part 1
Firstly, it's nice to see how many people are up in arms about this topic & proposed discussions that follow. However, Im wondering why all the chatter now? These graves were lying in desolation (i.e. the Catholic part behind) long before the church decided to put this suggestion forward. Where were all the protestors? If it meant something to all of you, wouldnt such suggestions of clean-ups etc, be put up a long time ago. I definitely regard such sites as historically significant especially to the young ones but not at the expense of the kids at the orphanage.
— Ramon Gomez, October 6, 2004

Dear Catholic Church of Penang , If you can Spare the graves sites of our Ancestrial family this is very good . Should you really have a good Reason to take back the Last Resting ground of our ancesrty , Then you should handle them in their due Respect.We do not want to see the "Rests " Dumped in a grave with a Cross and the Problem was sloved.,I would like to bring your Notice as to what The Singapore HDB has done for the Badaari Cementary , The Same should be done here, Those who lay in this Cementary have also done their bit , for their God, Faith& the Catholic Church , You have no Right to take away any item from these Departed, If so you must restore some sort of Place for Final Rest.Each one should have their individual Niche & name Plate . If you do not do this you will loose Credit.These Ancesters have stood , with generious open hands to surport the mother Church . I hope you would reconsider this Project. Regards Nina van Dort.
— The Doral Robless, Nicholas , Read, ,van Dort,van, August 24, 2004

Does developments means new buildings, new lifestyle and forgetting the old? If one has no past, one have no present... what will we be with more playgrounds and more tall buildings? are we proud to show to our friends to the WHOLE NEW PLAYGROUND when they come all the way from thousand of miles away??? why are we becoming such a pathetic country with nothing from that past that we can be proud of? sigh...
— Jane, July 29, 2004

I have a question - if this site is not on the 'heritage preservation' list, why isn't it?? It is obvious it should be...
— Lorraine Brecht, July 28, 2004

Heritage concerns
Surprised to hear that the proposal to convert a historic graveyard into a children's playground came from the Penang church authorities. It is something unheard of in my country. On the other hand, destruction of heritage sites is quite rampant in some Asian countries where religious or economic factors override the importance of preserving these sites. Bamyan Buddha's Grotto in Afghanistan, tower constrcution in Bagan, Myanmar and even the old town of Malacca in Malaysia has suffered so much damage and improper alterations to old buildings that it has lost much of its charm. If we lose these heritage sites, part of our soul is lost forever too.

Steve
— Steve Lange, July 28, 2004

SENSELESS
Sad to see the authorities don't know what the word heritage means..I wonder what would Bishop Selvanavagam do if it was one of his very own ancestors burried there

SAVE THE CEMETERY!
— Shareen Fors, July 15, 2004

Past, present and future
Early settlers and inhabitants of every country in the world today, without doubt, played a pioneering role in bringing about progress to that nation. Penang Island is no exception. My ancestors are burried in this oldest cemetery. I have been there and located at least one grave. We can show our gratitude for the role they played by first acknowledging their deeds and then honouring their memory for generations to come. We do this concretely by leaving their remains exactly where they are.
— Philomena Peterson, July 10, 2004

Do not set a bad example!!!!
I am not a catholic member neither a Christian, but I do support the movement of Saving Penang Oldest Catholic Cemetery. The reason is simple, the people that dont even appreciate the effort of their predecessor that once so close and care to them; wont be a good follower of GOD!!! Devotee that have no appreciation toward those can be seen, just imagine their faith in god. Do not set a bad example to the young generation is much more important than to have a play ground or what so ever.
— Lim Hong Teck, July 9, 2004

i visited this place not long ago, and i thought it was announced as Penang heritage by Penang Government and will not be removed. one thing still fresh in my mind is that the place is full of mosquito!
— Erina, July 7, 2004

I agree. The cemetery must be saved & 'restored'. I must visit it when I'm in penang next winter. Can you tell me where it is, exactly?
— Lorraine Brecht, July 7, 2004