St. Mary's Cathedral
St. Mary's Cathedral
4
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
About
St. Mary’s is the cathedral church for the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia. From one small congregation in a simple wooden building in the 19th century on the present site beside Dataran Merdeka, we have grown into ten diverse and active congregations that form our one cathedral community. We stand united in the Gospel truth that Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, died for our sins and rose again as Lord. Our mission at the Cathedral, is: To glorify God together in response to his grace by making disciples of Jesus Christ. We therefore seek to be a Gospel-centred, Bible-based, disciple-making community. We have: one goal – to glorify God one task – to make disciples of Jesus Christ one message – the Gospel of Jesus Christ
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- Masjid Jamek • 5 min walk
- Bandaraya • 8 min walk
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4.0
121 reviews
Excellent
26
Very good
46
Average
44
Poor
5
Terrible
0
Dan L
Bunbury, Australia8,541 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
The history of the church dates to 1887, a simple timber building erected to accommodate Anglican worshippers in the area at the time. The foundation stone of the present building was laid in 1894, a larger church required to accommodate a growing congregation and consecrated in 1895. There have been various alterations and additions over subsequent years and in 1983 the church was proclaimed the Cathedral Church of St Mary the Virgin. It was designated a National Heritage Building in 2014. The church design is based on Early English Gothic architecture. We didn't manage to gain admittance on the day with exterior scaffolding being erected and the building closed to the public.
Written 5 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pinoytraveller2
Luzon, Philippines15,100 contributions
Jul 2015 • Solo
I took the Hop On Hop Off Bus and we passed by the St. Mary's Cathedral. Considering the heavy traffic in Kuala Lumpur I decided to give this a miss.
Written 16 June 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thangam M
Chennai1,460 contributions
Mar 2014 • Couples
St. Mary's Anglican Cathedral is to the north of Merdeka Square. It is the Synod of the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia. The original St Mary's Church was consecrated by the Bishop of Singapore, Labuan and Sarawak in 1887. In 1893 it was decided to construct a new church building to house the growing congregation. The spot chosen was beside the "padang" (Malay for "field") of the Royal Selangor Club which is where it stands to this very day.
The foundation stone of the church was laid in 1894 by the then British Resident of Selangor, Sir Treacher who, armed with a silver trowel laid the foundation of St. Mary's 'In the Faith of Jesus Christ and in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost'. In 1895, this first brick church built in the Malay Peninsula was consecrated by Bishop Hose. The church boasted a pipe organ built by Henry Willis, the famous organ maker who had made the organ for St. Pauls's Cathedral in London!
The Cathedral offers traditional/liturgical services in English, contemporary services in English, and in Bahasa Malaysia.
Starting from around 1960, there have been additions and renovations to the building including the Jubilee Hall, a two storey annexe, a multi-purpose hall, a library and so forth. As a pamphlet at the Cathedral informs: "Whilst the buildings have changed over the years, the basis for the Cathedral's existence has not. The services and activities that take place here are based on the unchangeable truth of the Gospel - that God so loved us all that even though we are sinners, He gave His only son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins, so that those who put their faith and trust in Him would not face the punishment for sin but would be set free from it to have eternal life with God."
Built in traditional Gothic style, this cathedral too owes its design to the brilliance of architect A C Norman. Set amidst green lawns, the cathedral with its tiled, gabled roofs and spotless white walls adorned by narrow stained glass windows is a joy to behold. The building bears the date '1894'. A modest yet prominent white cross in front of the church states its mission: "To glorify God together in response to His grace by making disciples of Jesus Christ".
Enter the cool, gracious confines of the cathedral and the altar with its stained glass windows makes for a marvellous sight. Hanging from the angled wood covered ceiling, the two simple chandeliers just in front of the altar add a classic touch. The walls are studded with brass plates, dedicated by friends and family to the memory of several illustrious British citizens who contributed to the growth and progress of Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia. The wooden pews have the sheen of well-looked-after fine wood. Light radiates into the silence of the cathedral from large arched doors and windows. The white ceiling fans look as fresh as the day when they were first put in.
As far as cathedrals go, St. Mary's is neither large nor grand. What it certainly does have is significant heritage value and great atmosphere - being here, one experiences a feeling of deep peace - one truly feels "God’s in His heaven and all’s right with the world!"
The foundation stone of the church was laid in 1894 by the then British Resident of Selangor, Sir Treacher who, armed with a silver trowel laid the foundation of St. Mary's 'In the Faith of Jesus Christ and in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost'. In 1895, this first brick church built in the Malay Peninsula was consecrated by Bishop Hose. The church boasted a pipe organ built by Henry Willis, the famous organ maker who had made the organ for St. Pauls's Cathedral in London!
The Cathedral offers traditional/liturgical services in English, contemporary services in English, and in Bahasa Malaysia.
Starting from around 1960, there have been additions and renovations to the building including the Jubilee Hall, a two storey annexe, a multi-purpose hall, a library and so forth. As a pamphlet at the Cathedral informs: "Whilst the buildings have changed over the years, the basis for the Cathedral's existence has not. The services and activities that take place here are based on the unchangeable truth of the Gospel - that God so loved us all that even though we are sinners, He gave His only son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins, so that those who put their faith and trust in Him would not face the punishment for sin but would be set free from it to have eternal life with God."
Built in traditional Gothic style, this cathedral too owes its design to the brilliance of architect A C Norman. Set amidst green lawns, the cathedral with its tiled, gabled roofs and spotless white walls adorned by narrow stained glass windows is a joy to behold. The building bears the date '1894'. A modest yet prominent white cross in front of the church states its mission: "To glorify God together in response to His grace by making disciples of Jesus Christ".
Enter the cool, gracious confines of the cathedral and the altar with its stained glass windows makes for a marvellous sight. Hanging from the angled wood covered ceiling, the two simple chandeliers just in front of the altar add a classic touch. The walls are studded with brass plates, dedicated by friends and family to the memory of several illustrious British citizens who contributed to the growth and progress of Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia. The wooden pews have the sheen of well-looked-after fine wood. Light radiates into the silence of the cathedral from large arched doors and windows. The white ceiling fans look as fresh as the day when they were first put in.
As far as cathedrals go, St. Mary's is neither large nor grand. What it certainly does have is significant heritage value and great atmosphere - being here, one experiences a feeling of deep peace - one truly feels "God’s in His heaven and all’s right with the world!"
Written 24 June 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sheryl A
Liverpool, UK429 contributions
Aug 2014 • Couples
Hard to believe this is a Cathedral. In Europe churches (in the Victorian period) are more ornate and beautiful than this. Simple, it is, but with no traditional icons, no flurries, no pomp or ceremony it was rather like all the love had been sucked out of it Architecturally. I couldn't even get a decent photo inside or out I wanted to keep!
Written 4 August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Campbell C
Wagga Wagga, Australia205 contributions
Oct 2014 • Business
Was here as a recent guest for a very important occasion.
Located in a lovely part of KL where one can also see some wonderful historic buildings and gardens. Just be careful of peak hour traffic or you'll wish you never visited!
Some have said architecturally this building is not very exciting, especially given its age (1874) I would have to agree. The high altar area is worth a visit but overall the building is pretty bland.
What makes the building important is that's it the throne for the regional bishop and hence it's importance as an Anglican cathedral and here there is some interesting history associated to the building. The pleasant staff when available will be more then happy to tell interested visiting guests.
Located in a lovely part of KL where one can also see some wonderful historic buildings and gardens. Just be careful of peak hour traffic or you'll wish you never visited!
Some have said architecturally this building is not very exciting, especially given its age (1874) I would have to agree. The high altar area is worth a visit but overall the building is pretty bland.
What makes the building important is that's it the throne for the regional bishop and hence it's importance as an Anglican cathedral and here there is some interesting history associated to the building. The pleasant staff when available will be more then happy to tell interested visiting guests.
Written 3 October 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
8Nikki8
Big Pine Key, FL473 contributions
Feb 2013 • Solo
You don't have to spend much time in St. Mary's Cathedral it is not very big and there isn't much to see. It is very historical, but I wish there was more information than a pamphlet that. Didn't even see until I was leaving. Still worth a look you will probably spend 5 to 10 minutes in the church and you will be good.
Written 11 February 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen N
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia16 contributions
Sept 2012
A beautiful cathedral and wonderful services and for all ages of children to attend various classes on offer. A lovely group and community that really make you feel cared about and welcome. Beautiful music and fun for all to be part of. Sunday worship 10:30am
Written 20 November 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dnaray
Aberdeen, UK837 contributions
Jan 2020
Very minimal decoration but nice peaceful place which shows colonial aspects close to Merdeka Square.
Written 26 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
StefanieChuah
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia20 contributions
Jan 2019 • Solo
I have been attending St Mary’s cathedral contemporary (SMACC) since 2012. This is a reformed Bible centered church with a warm and welcoming congregation. There are 2 services on Sunday - SMACC1 at 10.30am and SMACC2 at 5 pm. There are also services available in different languages - Iban and Mandarin. If you’re looking for a church to visit while you’re here, just walk in to a service and have a chat over coffee with any of the pastors/regulars after!
Written 31 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Flitz8-A foodie travels
Amsterdam, The Netherlands3,117 contributions
Mar 2018 • Solo
Situated next to Merdeka square this Anglican cathedral is easily spotted.Very historical cathedral and nice choir music coming from this place.
Written 22 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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