Thirty years in the making
From 1893 to 1925.
CEphoto, Uwe Aranas — CC BY-SA 3.0 · CEphoto, Uwe Aranas — CC BY-SA 3.0 · CEphoto, Uwe Aranas — CC BY-SA 3.0
The oldest stone church in Sabah and the first building in the state made entirely of stone, standing among trees on a hill in central Sandakan. Its foundation stone was laid in 1893 and building took more than thirty years: the main nave was consecrated in 1906, and the west portal was only finished in 1925. A New Zealand architect designed it in Gothic style, and granite was chosen over costly belian wood and over brick, whose look nobody liked. The dark stones came from a nearby quarry and were carved by prisoners, while the white stones framing the windows and doors were shipped in from Hong Kong. The church is Anglican and still holds services, and it is part of the Sandakan Heritage Trail. Visitors can admire it from outside at any time and step inside when the doors are open, respecting service times. It is a few minutes' walk from Agnes Keith House, so combine the two in one stroll over the hill above the town.
From 1893 to 1925.
Carved by prisoners and shipped from Hong Kong.
On the old town's landmark route.
On the hill in central Sandakan, near Agnes Keith House
Usually yes when its doors are open outside service times, and entry is free. Dress modestly, keep quiet, and avoid Sunday morning service time.
