Church of the Assumption, George Town

As you enter this church, a plaque on the left wall commemorates the priests who have served it since its inception. The church's history dates back to 1786 when the first Catholic community in northern Malaya, accompanied by Bishop Arnold Garnault, arrived in Penang and constructed a humble wooden structure on Church Street, naming it the Church of the Assumption. In 1802, the wooden structure was replaced by a brick building with a tower, which served the Catholic community until its relocation to Farquhar Street 1858. Two years later, the current structure was erected by Father Claude Manissol, and the first mass was celebrated there in 1861.

The edifice underwent significant renovations in 1928, including the addition of two wings. In 1955, it was designated the Cathedral of the Diocese of Penang by a Decree of the Vatican, albeit in 2003, the cathedral status was transferred to the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit.

In 2016, the church closed for 14 months for an extensive restoration, reopening on January 1, 2018. Inside, visitors can admire beautiful stained glass panels, life-size statues of saints and the Blessed Virgin Mary, stations of the cross wall hangings, and a grand pipe organ erected in 1916, one of the oldest surviving instruments of its kind still in working condition. With constant maintenance and restoration efforts, this oak, pine, and mahogany instrument with 640 lead and zinc pipes continues to enrich the church's musical tradition.

The church grounds also house the Roman Catholic Penang Diocesan Museum, showcasing the Church's missionary history with artifacts and memorabilia. There is also an art gallery displaying paintings by Father Joseph Reutens.