Another moment in Paulian history

Rev. Bro. James Macken Memorial

The Bro. James Macken Memorial Event, held at St. Paul’s Institution Primary on 21 April 2012, was a unique occasion jointly organised by the Old Paulians’ Association and the Boards of Governors of SPI Primary and Secondary.

The event remembered Bro. James Macken at the school to which he gave so much of his life, energy and passion. SPI Primary hosted the gathering in recognition of his single-minded work overseeing the construction of the school at its present site between 1979 and 1980.

The late Rev. Bro. James Macken, FSC, was the 18th and longest-serving Brother Director of St. Paul’s Institution, Seremban, serving from 1975 to 1991. Across 22 years as a teacher, Sub-Director and Director, his leadership inspired thousands of Paulians during SPI’s Jamesonian era.

About 250 Paulians, teachers and friends attended the memorial celebration, which was officiated by Rev. Bro. Felix Donohue, FSC.

Those in attendance

  • Tan Sri Dato’ Chan Choon Tak and members of the SPI Primary School Board
  • Members of the SPI Secondary School Board
  • Mr. David Wee, OPA President, and members of the Management Committee
  • Ms. Lucy Ratnam, Principal of SPI Secondary, and teachers

Educators and school leaders

  • Ms. Zakiah, Acting Head of SPI Primary, and teachers
  • Past SPI Secondary principals Mr. Kenneth Kulasingham and Mdm. Yap See Moi
  • Past SPI Primary heads Ms. Jeyadhevi Subramaniam and Mr. Chen Ah Keng
  • Past teachers of SPI Primary and Secondary

A lasting declaration

The buildings at SPI Primary were named the Rev. Bro. James Macken Building, Rev. Bro. Isidore Albert Building and Rev. Bro. Lewis Edward Building.