Hoover Square

 The open square at the Masland Methodist Church is named Hoover Square. The area is not fenced as a friendly gesture to make it accessible to the public (it's about time other churches here to emulate such move)

This square is named after a great Methodist Missionary from the US, Reverend James Matthew Hoover. Rev. Hoover was the first foreign pastor who served the Methodist Churches of Sibu.

From 1903 to 1935, he had helped to built 41 churches and 40 schools all over Sibu. When the Foochow Settlement Pioneer, Wong Nai Siong left Sibu in 1904, Rev. Hoover was the one who helped to manage the settlement. I believe the settlement wouldn't had made it that far without his contribution and dedication

 

Hoover Square can accommodate 1,000 people is intended for concerts, events and workshop. The square is mainly in concrete tiles with creative looking lamp posts and dotted with trees.

The square incorporated a permanent stage which has what appears to be a cascading waterfall around it.

There is also a row of marble plaques which highlight 9 moral values: Self Control, Gentleness, Faithfulness, Kindness, Goodness, Patience, Peace, Joy and Love.

Currently, there is an exhibition on the history of Masland Church as well as other Methodist churches in Sibu and Sarawak.

Another major contribution of Rev. James Hoover are the establishment of the primary and secondary school here where I studied before. At the exhibition I manage to learn how the logo of the Methodist schools here had evolved since its establishment in 1947.