Methodist Council of Education (COE)
01 Jan 2016

Official Launch of the 120th Anniversary Celebrations and Thanksgiving Service

SR. METHODIST GIRLS’ SCHOOL KUALA LUMPUR

“Great is Thy Faithfulness, Lord”: In a true spirit of joy and thankfulness, around 90 teachers, students, old girls, former principals, ex-teachers, members of the Board of Governors and Alumni of the Senior Methodist Girls’ School, Kuala Lumpur gathered for the launch of the 120th Anniversary Celebrations and to give thanks to God for 120 blessed years of the school’s existence. The singing of this much-loved hymn resounded in the Mabel Marsh Hall on the morning of Saturday, 9th January 2016. The event began with the official launch of the 120th Anniversary Celebrations by Rev. Dr Ong Hwai Teik, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Malaysia. Also present was Mr Khor Hong Yin, Executive Director, Methodist Council of Education.

School principal, Madam Shi Lee Lee, in her welcome speech gave glory to God for 120 years of God’s grace, goodness and guidance. The school has grown in strength and number and thousands of young girls have passed through its gates. On the other hand, the school has stood through the war years, fire and storm and faced numerous other challenges. She recounted the sacrifices of the early founders who gave up the comforts of life and home in America to sail to this land to start the school.

What better way to celebrate an anniversary than sing! Miss Tay Choon Neo, an old girl from the Class of 1971 led the congregation in songs of praise and worship. The service continued with the responsive reading of Psalm 111 led by Miss Winnie Ng, from the class of 1955. Madam Chia Loy Tian, former principal of the school read the Scripture lesson from 1 Chronicles 16: 28 -34. This was followed by a short reflection by Madam Phoon Yoke Meng, a true MGSian who having studied in MGS from Standard One to Form 6, had also served as School Principal. In her reflection, she shared how God had raised her up from a quiet, timid girl to becoming the Principal of her Alma Mater. A poignant reflection: “The school hall looked so big then but it is so small now”.

Bishop Dr Ong Hwai Teik, in his message entitled “Unforgettable Long Journeys” spoke about the work of William Horley, who founded 27 schools in then Malaya and who had devoted 37 years on the spiritual and social welfare of the people in this country. Moving on to MGSKL, Bishop Dr Ong said that the school has stood on the shoulders of very able women such as Miss Stratton, Miss Mabel Marsh and others who, driven by the celestial, gave their intellect and their youth to serve others. Miss Mabel Marsh was an extraordinary lady who had served about 40 years in this country. These are among the unforgettable long journeys. Drawing from John Chapter 15, Bishop  Dr Ong pointed to the one unforgettable journey of Jesus Christ who came into the world to give light to the world and save mankind. God’s light cannot be extinguished and His work carries on.

After  the sermon, former school captain, Marcella Mary Richard presented a song “Give Thanks”. Then, everyone joined in a jubilant singing of the School Song “MGS Arise and Sing”. It was a rare privilege to have the composer of the music for the School Song, Mrs Sothie Paul Duraisamy from the Class of 1952 play the piano as everyone stood to attention and sang with nostalgia and passion.


The closing hymn “How Great Thou Art” was a testimony of God’s blessings upon the school. Bishop Dr Ong then gave the Benediction after which Madam Shi Lee Lee presented a token of appreciation from the school to Bishop Dr Ong. 

After the service, the guests adjourned to the school canteen for refreshments followed by a visit to the Sr. MGSKL Heritage Gallery. It was indeed exciting to see many old girls exclaiming with joy when they found themselves in the photographs and pages of the old school magazines. 

The Mighty Hand of God has guided the Sr. MGSKL through the 120 years and He will continue to lead us on. 

Onward Onward MGS
From strength to strength
march on always… 

To God Be The Glory!


By Ms Satkunamary Gnanakkan,
a former teacher of Sr MGS KL