THE Church of St George The Martyr in George Town together with Pos Malaysia have come out with a limited edition bicentenary first day cover stamp to mark the 200th consecration anniversary of the oldest English colonial church in Southeast Asia.
The church, also known as the St George’s Church, is located in Farquhar Street.
The first day cover comprised of a commemorative miniature stamp, stamp sheets, stamps for envelopes, a folder and two envelopes.
The 3,000 limited edition sets are sold at RM75 each.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was present at the church to launch the auspicious event, said the church building and the Francis Light Memorial were featured on Malaysian stamps for the first time.
He said the first day cover initiative was the result of a long process which began in October last year.
The long process took place when corporate communication agency World Communications Network Resources (M) Sdn Bhd met with the Anglican Church Diocese of West Malaysia Suffragan Bishop Rev Datuk Charles K. Samuel and a few others from St George’s Church to discuss the matter.
On Jan this year, the design team involved in designing the cover worked with the church on the contents and design.
“The final design was submitted to Pos Malaysia in March for printing.
“Congratulations to St George’s Church for creating a milestone in its history,” he said in his speech at St George’s Church today.
Rev Charles, meanwhile, said St George’s Church Penang is also the oldest Anglican Church in the Far East.
He also welcomed avid stamp collectors to drop by at the church to purchase the limited edition first day cover.
“Some sets are even more exclusive, having the signature of Chief Minister Chow,” he said,
He said that Pos Malaysia would also sell the stamps separately, apart from the cover.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix and video by Ahmad Adil Muhamad