The First Penang Story

After World War II, Reverence Khoo Cheng Hoe, the Pastor of the Madras Lane Methodist Church, expressed his anxiety about the rampant delinquency of teenaged boys in the church while having dinner with his family. This informal discussion during dinner inspired Dr. Khoo Oon Teik, Reverend Khoo's son, to share about the BB movement in Singapore. Dr. Khoo Oon Teik was studying medicine in Singapore prior to the war.

The Madras Lane Methodist Church

The 60th Anniversary Commemorative Plaque placed at the church entrance.

Reverence Khoo then asked Dr. Khoo Oon Teik, to seek assistance from James Fraser about starting the Boys' Brigade movement in Penang.

Mr Khoo Oon Lock, brother of Dr Khoo Oon Teik and also one of the first officers in the company

Former Members of 1st Penang

The idea of the Boys' Brigade together with the promotional materials from Singapore was well received by the Local Church Executive Committee (LCEC). The LCEC then approached Geh Hun Kheng, a respectable elder in church and the society as well as Principal of the Anglo Chinese Primary School, to lead the organisation as the Captain. Mr Geh agreed and was installed as the first Captain of the Brigade movement in Penang and in Malaya.

(the above was extracted from 'First Anchored in Penang' history book of the 1st Penang BB Company)

You may be asking why is 1st Penang now based in Trinity Methodist Church and not in Madras Lane Methodist Church? Well, in those days the Madras Lane Methodist Church had English & Chinese speaking congregations. It was the English speaking congregation that started the BB and later on formed its own church called the Trinity Methodist Church.

The 1st Penang Company was officially started on 20th July, 1946. This year marks its 60th year. In conjunction with the 60th Anniversary, the company launched a history book entitled 'First Anchored in Penang'.

The launching of the History Book

'First Anchored in Penang' History Book

On August 13, 2006, a special church service was held to commemorate the anniversary. The occasion saw many former members and fellow BBmembers from other companies as well as parents congregating at the Trinity Methodist Church.

1st Penang Company on parade	The colour party
The VVIP's doing the inspection	Mr Khoo Oon Lock, Mr Tan Teik Hock and Mr Michael Moorthy.
Guests at the parade ground	The future of 1st Penang Coy

The event started with a guard of honour outside the church. Later guests, friends and members were ushered into the church sanctuary for the service.

At the service, there was a special message by church pastor, Rev. T.Jeyakumar. The juniors presented a song item and the seniors a drum band.

This service also marks the end of the 1st Penang BB Company Colours as the new Colours was revealed & blessed.

Towards the end of the service, special awards were presented. 1st Penang captain, Mr Khoo Cheok Kau was awarded the Officers Gold Service Award for his 20 years of service as an officer.

Before the end of service, a special capsule was brought out by a junior boy, various items from the anniversary were placed in the capsule and the capsule is placed in a wall in the church. This time capsule is to be opened in 40 years time when the 1st Penang Coy celebrates its 100th Anniversary.

After the church service, it was a buffet dinner for all the guests.

Article & photographs by
Terence Tay