Just beside the Padang Merdeka, stand on a small hill a magnificent cathedral in the heart of Kuching city. It has a history of more than a century.
The history of St. Thomas Cathedral in Kuching dates back to 1848 when the first Anglican missionary, Reverend Francis Thomas McDougall, priest and doctor, and his wife Harriette arrived in Kuching. They headed the Borneo Mission, a private missionary group. He was invited by Sir James Brooke, the first Rajah of Sarawak. A considerable area of jungle-covered hill behind the old town then was given to the church by the Rajah.
The Church compound, which was originally a jungle-clad hill, was bestowed by the Rajah in 1849. On this site, Dr. McDougall began the construction of a fine wooden church capable of accommodating 250 people.
In 1851, the consecration ceremony of the church was performed by Bishop Wilson of Calcutta. The foundation stone for the present cathedral was laid on 15th October 1953 by the Duchess of Kent and the building was completed by May the following year.
This is St Thomas Cathedral Church today, standing tall and proud of it’s history.
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