OUR HISTORY
The Life Chapel is an evangelical church of the Brethren denomination. It currently has over 300 members, and adheres to a lay government. This comprises an Oversight of elders, and a Diaconate. It holds a variety of meetings throughout the week, culminating in the Lord's Supper and Worship Service every Sunday morning.
ROOTS
In 1966, several members from the Jalan Gasing Gospel Hall (now known as the Petaling Jaya Gospel Hall) were entrusted with the responsibility of starting a Christian work in the new area of Petaling Jaya known as Section 14. Beginning with home prayer meetings and gospel sessions, the Life Chapel was formally established on 1 January 1967. Meetings took place in a member's house until a shop house lot at 601, Jalan 17/12 was made available in July 1967. This was to be the Life Chapel's address for 19 years.
CONSOLIDATION
In the early years, many ministries were formed as the church, also known as the Assembly, grew. Two Sunday Schools, Young People's Work, Ladies' Hour, Gospel and Prayer Meetings were among the activities that were launched. The Lord blessed this Assembly and its members grew from 33 to more than 100 in a span of 10 years. The preaching of the gospel was always an essential part of the Life Chapel's work. Ever present in the hearts of the leaders was the desire to establish a Christian witness in new areas. Within a few years of its formation, the Life Chapel began to assist in the running of the Sungei Way Christian Church. Another Sunday School and Adult Bible Study classes were started in Damansara Utama, a new township springing up on the borders of Petaling Jaya then. In 1989, an extension work called the Shah Alam Gospel Centre was established to cater to the residents of that rapidly expanding state capital.
RELOCATION
Desiring to be a permanent Christian witness in Section 17 Petaling Jaya, the Life Chapel purchased a 33,000 sq ft piece of land in 1971. However, it was not until some 13 years and many obstacles later that approval was finally given by the authorities to erect the church building on this land. In the two years that ensued, the Assembly continued to face many struggles as the church was constructed, but the Lord faithfully steered His people through them. The Life Chapel was finally able to move into its new premises at 9, Jalan 17/21E on 22 June 1986.
PRESENT DAY
The Life Chapel has since grown from strength to strength by God's grace. New ministries have been formed, among which are the Day Training Centre, Parent & Child Corner, Area Home Fellowship and Saturday Recreational Activities. Another extension work, called the Bidor Gospel Centre has also been launched in Bidor, Perak. Generations have passed through the Assembly, and it has seen its share of births, deaths, weddings, joys and sorrows, triumphs and heartaches. One thing, however, is certain: The Lord has constantly been "our Shield and Defender" who wins all battlers for us as "We rest on Thee".