By Peter Tan
BAU — It was a day of profound spiritual joy and community celebration on 12 July 2026, as parishioners of St Thomas Apostle’s Church, Kampung Skiat Baru gathered in their thousands to witness the official blessing of their magnificent new church building alongside a historic confirmation ceremony.
The momentous double-celebration was graced by His Grace Archbishop Simon Poh, who officiated the sacred rites of blessing and administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to approximately 250 candidates.
Adding national and state significance to the occasion, the ceremony was witnessed by YB Datuk Henry Harry Jinep, N2 Tasik Biru Assemblyman and Deputy Minister of Transportation (River & Ocean), Sarawak. Also in attendance as the official representative for YB Mordi Bimol, Member of Parliament for P.192 Mas Gading, was a distinguished delegation. In total, around 1,000 people comprising local parishioners, neighboring villagers, and invited guests, converged to witness this vibrant chapter in the parish’s history.
From Humble Beginnings: A Brief History of Faith
The journey of St Thomas Apostle’s Church is a testament to unwavering perseverance, deep-rooted faith, and the enduring spirit of gotong-royong.
The Early Decades (1964–1983)
The community’s Christian roots trace back to 1964, when only two families — those of Juan anak Busin and Moyak anak Tudian—had converted to Christianity. Lacking a local chapel, they faithfully traveled all the way to St Francis’ Church at Simpang Kuda for Sunday services and feast days.
As the Christian population in Kampung Pelaman Skiat grew to ten families, the physical strain of travelling to Simpang Kuda prompted a local initiative. In 1973, following approval from the Bau Mission, the villagers constructed their first chapel on a gotong-royong basis. Built on land generously donated by Tingas and Daop, the chapel featured an attap roof, split-bamboo walls, and posts of belian and sirumah wood. Fr Luis Schwabi blessed and formally named it St Thomas Apostle’s Church, Batu 4, Kg. Pelaman Skiat, with Joseph Tohet serving as its first Prayer Leader.
Expansion and Growth (1980s–2000s)
By the late 1970s, a surge in Catholic families rendered the small chapel inadequate. Under the leadership of Rector Fr Luis Schwabi, a larger building measuring 30 by 60 feet was proposed. Construction began in mid-1980, featuring asbestos sheet roofing, brick walls, and a concrete floor. Completed in 1983, the new church was declared open by YB Datuk Michael Ben and blessed by Fr Sepp.
As the decades progressed, further growth led to the establishment of St Barnabas Church in neighboring Kg Skiat Lama in the 1990s as that community also embraced the faith. Over the years, under successive dedicated Prayer Leaders Lawrence Jinat, Augustine Nadek, Francis Kho, and current leader Andrew Jukah (serving since 2013), the church flourished. By 2017, registered membership had climbed to 148 families (876 members), supported by a vibrant Sunday School led by Joyce Jinda and active lay organizations like the Ladies’ Guild, the Catholic Youth Movement, and the Legion of Mary.
A New Era: The Modern Church Project
By 2020, with registered families reaching 215 (representing a 99% Catholic population of 930 villagers), the old building could no longer accommodate the growing congregation. A Church Development and Building Committee, headed by Mr Petrus Misell, was formed to spearhead a modern rebuilding project on the same historic site.
Despite economic challenges, the community rallied together across three major phases:
● Phase 1 (2022): With an initial RM200,000 UNIFOR grant, the main structure and bell tower were completed by June 2022 for RM264,000.
● Phase 2 (2023): Supported by UNIFOR grants, YB allocations, and community fundraising, brickwork, windows, wiring, mosaic flooring, a grotto, and changing rooms were completed by September 2023.
● Phase 3 & Final Touches (2024–2025): The main altar, pews, and amenities—including metal ceilings, foldable glass doors, and six air-conditioning units funded by an additional RM200,000 UNIFOR grant—were installed. Parishioners moved into the new sanctuary in November 2024.
Financial Triumph Through Unity
The newly completed St Thomas Apostle’s Church—measuring an impressive 95 by 68 feet and capable of seating up to 500 churchgoers at a time—stands today as a proud architectural and spiritual beacon. Equipped with modern facilities including washrooms, a storeroom, warden and changing rooms, a grotto, and a church hall, the entire project stands as a shining example of public-private-community synergy:
● Total Project Cost: RM944,000 (inclusive of personal contributions, materials, and labor).
● UNIFOR Financial Grants: RM650,000 total.
● RTP Project Allocations: RM100,000 contributed by YB Datuk Henry Harry Jinep and YB Mordi Bimol.
● Community Contribution: RM194,000 raised directly by the kampung folk through tireless fundraising events, gotong-royong efforts, and individual sponsorships.
Today, the spiritual life of the parish continues to thrive under the guidance of Prayer Leader Mr Andrew Jukah, assisted by Mr Christopher Nodim, Mr James Woode, Mr Charles Boro, Mr Jeffry Kumew, and Ms Irene Linome Jakup.
The grand blessing and confirmation ceremony on 12 July 2026 marks not just the completion of a building, but the vibrant continuation of a faith journey that began with just two families over six decades ago.
