Owing to the construction of the SCAC Headquarters Building, Methodist Book Room needed to move out to the opposite shop lot (Former Dorcas Centre) to continue its service to the public. On 13 February 2018, a simple opening ceremony was held.
The President of the Sarawak Chinese Annual Conference (SCAC), Rev Dr Tie King Tai pointed out during the ceremony that operating a book room in this present age is not easy as fewer and fewer people read books. In the 60s, opening a bookstore was a wise choice, but after that few people read newspaper and books. Internet or e-reading has taken its place.
62 years ago, in 1955, Rev Ling Kai Cheng and his team took up the challenge of planning the opening of the bookstore. Three years later, in 1958, SCAC took over the management of the business. Then the SCAC HQ Building which accommodated the Methodist Book Room at the ground floor was erected in 1967. The Book Room has hence been in operation in this premises for 51 years.
Rev Tie stated that the Book Room also plays the role of a light to light up not only its vicinity and Sibu, but also Sarawak and Malaysia, with the hope of initiating an interest in reading among Christians. Under the new management more people will benefit from it.
Starting 1 March 2018
SCAC Temporarily Moved Into Hoover House
With the beginning of a fresh new year, the staff of SCAC Head Office were busy making preparations for relocation. As the plan to build a new 6-storey HQ building has been resolved, the move is necessary. On 1 March they officially moved into the 2nd Floor of Hoover House.
The original Head Office housed the President’s office, offices for the Mission Board, Board of Christian Education, Board of Education, Board of Property and Management, Board of Worship and Music, Board of Evangelism, Board of Laity, Departments of Youth and Women and Senior Learning Centre, as well as IT.
As the space at Hoover House is limited, the Youth Department office is moving to the Methodist Youth Centre at Aman Road and the Women Fellowship office to the En Ling Methodist Centre at Archer Road.
With the ground breaking ceremony of the construction of the 6-storey SCAC Headquarters taking place on 3rd April, it is expected to be completed in two years’ time.