Church of the Immaculate Conception (Johor)

The Church of the Immaculate Conception is a Roman Catholic church in Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia. It is the oldest church in Johor Bahru, built in 1927, although the original church was built in 1883 by Casimir-Jean Saleilles and was dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes. The church is an active centre of Catholic life and prayer in the heart of Johor Bahru City. The Roman Catholic priests continue their tradition of preaching, personal instruction, sacramental life and pastoral care extending well beyond the geographical boundaries of Johor Bahru.

History
The beginnings saw the establishment of Johor as an outstation of Serangoon in 1881. Saleilles came to administer to the needs of the Catholic families by boat. He spent time visiting the leper hospital and was generous to the poor.

Some time later, a piece of land was given by Sultan Abu Bakar and in 1883, the little church of Our Lady of Lourdes was inaugurated. This building was later used as a funeral parlour.

The present Church of the Immaculate Conception was built by M. Duvelle, and blessed by Bishop Barillon at the end of 1921, when there was only a wooden bridge linking Johor and Singapore.

The Sultan Ibrahim also donated the big statue of Our Lady to the church. It now stands in front of the church. It was blessed on 8 September 1947 by Noel Goh.

Mass services are held every day and are available in four languages.