Introduction
Tucked in the corner of Farquhar and Love Lanes, is a stately, slate-grey building that is the Cathedral of the Assumption, one of several historic religious landmarks in Penang. The cathedral got its name from the Feast of the Assumption – a day of religious festival celebrated by the Roman Catholics – which also happened to be the day when the first group of Roman Catholics arrived in Penang in 1786. Today, the cathedral still serves the Roman Catholic community in Penang, although what's left of the original  Eurasian Roman Catholic community has dwindled to a few homes behind the cathedral along Argus Lane.

History
Shortly after Francis Light's arrival in Penang in 1786, he arranged for the first batch of Roman Catholics Eurasians to be brought over to Penang from their parish in nearby Kuala Kedah. This small community was made mainly of descendants of inter-racial marriages between the European and the Burmese and Siamese. Some of the individuals from this community served under the Light administration.

Originally founded at Church Street by Father Garnault in 1786, the church was later moved to Farquhar Street in 1802. The building that is found today was built in 1860 by Father Manissol. Like many other religious landmarks in Penang, the church underwent rennovations over the years. The Roman Catholic community built its existence in and around Farquhar Street.

It wasn't until 1955 that the church became a cathedral according to a decree by the Vatican, and a Bishop installed to preside over services held here. The first Bishop here was the Right Reverend Monsignor Francis Chan.

Travel Advice
Penang's Georgetown has perhaps one of the most diverse religious community in Malaysia. Almost every religion has its own mosque, church, temples or wats to serve their believers. If you're seeking to see a cross section of this religious diversity, make it a point to visit the Acheen Street Mosque, Kek Lok Si temple, Ayira Vaisyar Sri Meenakshi Temple and Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram.

For more information, please contact:
Penang Tourism Action Council
56th Floor, KOMTAR
10000 Penang
Tel : 604-262 0202
Fax : 604-2631020
Email : enquiry@tourismpenang.gov.my