On the Saturday of 21st December 2013, I tagged along with 1st KL in their mission to provide a marching band accompaniment for a major Christmas event in Setapak. Dubbed Christmas Joy: Setapak Jubilee Malaysia. it was a collaboration between several churches of various denominations in Setapak, wanting to spread the message of Christmas with the community.
1st KL band unloading instruments
We arrived at Christ Luterhan Setapak at around 5.30pm. It is worth noting that this church used to house the 5th KL company, which was started in 1968, but records are so sketchy its unknown when it ceased operations, but definitely before 1989. It was my main intent tagging along to see if any of the churches would be interested to start BB.. but it was a relatively quiet day. Perhaps some might be curious in the weeks to come.
The plan was for the band to lead the procession of church groups, decorative groups and so on from Christ Lutheran Church to Muk En Chinese Methodist Church, about 2.2 kilometres away. What wasn't planned was the heavy rain which befell just before event was to commence. That pushed things back by about 30 minutes. It was supposed to start at 6.30pm.
The Boys patiently waiting for their chance to perform
The band tuning their instruments
Participants of the Christmas procession praying before starting the march
The 1st KL band, ready to go!
Cpl. Wong leading the bamd
It was great seeing the BB be a part of something big and meaningful. Though only 2.2km, the march felt like it took quite awhile, especially under the rain which did not let up. Yep, they all marched on despite the pouring weather! Don't ask me how the instruments took it.. nor my camera.
As the march went on, many cars driving past horned away in support of the effort.. or they could be taunting us - I couldn't tell the difference. Either way, let's assume all were infected with Christmas joy and were all in good spirits! There were certainly some happy faces looking and cheering us on, giving the thumbs up and clapping. There were also volunteers who handed out flyers to by-standers, inviting them to the main event at Muk En, where a carnival was taking place.
Did I mention floats? Yes, there were several nicely decorated "floats" which depicted the Christmas story and to help create some awareness .. and excitement!
Santa on his electronic sleigh on wheels
Float of the Nativity story
Love float..?
This event did remind of something similar 3rd KL did in Kajang, leading to procession of churches from the Kajang stadium through downtown Kajang and to Canaan Lutheran Church (former 2nd Kajang). The difference then was crowds weren't friendly.. even hostile. I clearly remember members of this particular religion jeering at us in close range. Glad there were no such incidences this time. The police and RELA personnel were present to provide traffic and crowd control.
The band finally arriving at Muk En Chinese Methodist Church
After a long march, the procession ended at Muk En.. and apparently the event was just getting started! They had the entire street in front of the church blocked off for carnivals, booths and games. A small stage was erected which listed MB Tan Kee Kwong as the VIP. Mr. Tan Kwee Kwong is/was BBM's Brigade Patron. The other VIP.. darn, can't remember his name.. Zaid something.
Drying up instruments before heading back to KL Wesley.
In the end, even the rain couldn't dampen us from the spirit of Christmas, which is to spread the Good News of hope and life to the community of Setapak. Alas, due to the delay in time, the Boys had to leave abruptly and could not join the remaining festivities. Well done 1st KL for playing in this event! Praise the Lord giving the Boys the opportunity to perform and be part of this event.
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