Disappearing Miri : St. Columba Anglican Church of Miri

The first services were held between 1914-1922 in the government court house and were conducted by the then British Resident, Mr. R.S. Douglas who initiated the idea of building a permanent church building. The old church was designed  and supervised by Mr. P.M. Otway, the chief of the construction staff of the Sarawak Oil Fields Company. It was done in his spare time and was really a labour of love. the Church was consecrated on 18th March 1923 officiated by Bishop F.S Hollis in front of 59 people. $150 was the stipend given to the resident priest by the Oil Company. During the Japanese Occupation, Rev Lim Siong Teck was in charge. The Churches in Lutong and Miri were closed by the Japaneseallowed Rev Lim to reopenthe church for Sunday services in early 1942.  The Occupational Froces acquired the church building for storing military provisions. When the Allied Forces came in June 1945 the Japanese tried to burn down the church. However only a small portion of the church was burnt. Rev Lim was killed by the Japanese a few days before the Allied Forces landed in Miri. The church continued to be used until 1960's when the congregation became too big. the old church was converted into a kindergarten and a new church was built.