01 Sep 2009

September 2009 - Dedication of Hoover Square, Masland Methodist Church

The Hoover Project with the square in the centre, next to Masland Methodist Church. Dato’ Sri Wong Soon Koh (second right) with Rev Dr Su Chii Ann, President of SCAC (right), and other church leaders viewing an exhibition on James Hoover’s work.
Masland Methodist Church, Sibu today is the direct “descendant” of the original church started by Rev James Hoover in 1905. The original building was multipurpose: for school missionary work and a parsonage. In 1925, a new church was built with a great donation from Mrs Masland in the United States. Hence the name of the church.

Since then Masland Church has undergone several renovations and rebuilding. But it has remembered its roots in the work and contribution of Rev James Hoover. So it was in 2006 that the Hoover Project was launched, in recognition and remembrance of his immense contribution not only to Sibu but to Sarawak as well.

The opening ceremony of Hoover Square was officiated by YB Dato’ Sri Wong Soon Koh, Second Finance Minister and Minister of Environment and Public Health of Sarawak, on 16 August 2009. Representing the Chief Minister, Dato’ Sri Wong said James Hoover had given his best to Sarawak and contributed much to the society. His legacies will be long remembered.

The Hoover Square has an open ground next to Masland Church and can accommodate up to 1000 people for concerts and other such events. It is not fenced to make it accessible for the public to walk in and visit.

Besides the Hoover Square the whole complex also comprise a 2 ½ storey building with conference rooms, Sunday School classrooms, a prayer room, library and guest rooms for visitors. It houses the combined administration centre for the SCAC and SIAC and the Methodist Primary School. It has an underground car park and a roof-top garden.

The Hoover Project complex together with Masland Methodist Church is a landmark and worthy memorial to the legacy of Rev James Hoover.

(Based on the report from Connection 30 August 2009, translated from Chinese by NKH. Editor)