Chapel gets financial assistance from assemblyman

1 November 2024

By AVV

KOTA BELUD: Chapel St. John Vianney, located in Kampung Tolus, sits prominently along the main road leading to Kampung Baru, Tuaran, making it easily accessible for visitors.

Despite its convenient location, the chapel embodies the serene ambiance of a quaint village, inviting tranquility and reflection.

The blend of accessibility and serene village charm makes Chapel St. John Vianney a haven for the local community.

For Valerie Mollen Santee, the Treasurer of the Church Committee the chapel is an integral part of the community where dedicated souls come together each Sunday. They represent a tapestry of ages and backgrounds: the elderly who have attended since childhood, young families seeking to instill values in their children, and individuals who find solace in the quiet worship rituals.

Despite their number of just 135 people, the faith of these villagers runs deep. They are committed to attending services every week at the chapel that stands on just under half an acre. Their attendance, even in inclement weather, speaks volumes about their devotion.

The 13-year-old chapel, measuring a cozy 17 feet by 32 feet, exudes warmth and intimacy, despite its size, as Valerie shared. “At the moment, we don’t have much. Even the chairs are insufficient, but we make do with what we have.”

Recently, the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperative (MEDC), Datuk Ewon Benedick, who also serves as the Kadamaian State Assemblyman, generously donated RM15,000 to the church. Valerie was present to receive the donation and expressed her heartfelt gratitude.

“We thank Ewon, for his generosity,” she said, adding that his contribution means a lot to the church community in her village.

“This funding will be put to good use. Our chapel needs repairs to address the leaking ceiling and roof, as well as updates to the walls that have aged over time.” Valerie emphasised the importance of these improvements, highlighting how they will enhance the worship experience for the congregation.

The chapel serves not only as a place of worship but also as a hub for social gatherings, including the vibrant harvest festival celebrations. Valerie explained that these events play a crucial role in fostering community spirit. “These gatherings promote rapport among the people and strengthen our solidarity,” she said.

Additionally, they provide a platform for cultural celebration, ensuring that the identity of the community is preserved and celebrated.

Through shared traditions and collective joy, the chapel becomes a space where bonds are deepened, memories are made, and the rich cultural heritage of the villagers is honoured. This dual purpose of the chapel, spiritual and social, helps to weave a tighter fabric within the community, reinforcing their connections and shared values.

Speaking of her future hopes, Valerie shared, “We hope for a bigger chapel so that our congregation will be able to worship in a better and more comfortable environment.”