History of MBSSKL

MBSKL was founded by Rev. Dr. William T. Kensett, a naval officer of the Royal Navy battleship HMS Orion. In July 1897, he had the desire to set up a church and school for the Tamils in Kuala Lumpur and he left the British Navy. A shophouse was soon secured at the corner of Batu Road and Java Street, and the predominantly Tamil school was named the Anglo-Tamil School.
In 1904, the school moved to its current premises on Petaling Hill and the Anglo-Tamil School was re-named the Methodist Boys’ School Kuala Lumpur by Rev William E Horley,the name used until this day.
In 1954, the 1st Kuala Lumpur Boys’ Brigade Company was set up in the School by Mr. Khoo Oon Soo and Mr. R.A. Allen. After the first few years, 1st KL shifted to the Wesley Church just next door to the school, and used the Church premises as its’ meeting place. The 1st Kuala Lumpur Boys’ Brigade Company is the 3rd oldest company in Malaysia, and is well known for its’ history in Band, Footdrill and Talent Time competition results at National Level. The Company has also produced a fine collection of President’s Men and Founder’s Men, as well as two Queen’s Men.
In 1958, the school was divided into the Secondary School (MBSSKL) and the Primary School (MBPSKL)in accordance with the new Education Policy of the country.
In its natural geography, Petaling Hill, on which MBS now stands, the school overlooks one of the oldest business sections of Kuala Lumpur which consists of many of the oldest Chinese business establishments.
The reason for Rev Horley in choosing this site for the Wesley Church, the parsonage and the school was not different from other pioneer missionaries who chose sites for church, school and living quarters in other parts of the country. It was to be close to the community whom they wanted to serve, but yet sufficiently removed to have the quiet serenity for school and church to function and the incumbent pastor who used to also head the school, to dwell in peace.
It is not surprising that as the country developed and as towns became cities, churches and schools which were once at the fringes of towns, are now engulfed in the midst of city centres.
In the hundred years of its existence MBSKL has more than fulfilled its role in providing education and nurture for those who passed through the portals. Numbered among the former students are successful citizens in all walks of life and professions. It is quite impossible to enumerate or name each one of them simply because they are far too many and there is no record of the progress and achievements of students who have left the school.
The school’s traditional rivals are the Victoria Institution and St. John’s Institution, as the two institutions together with MBSKL are generally known as the top 3 boys’ institutions in Kuala Lumpur. This friendly rivalry existed way back in the three schools’ history, not only on the sports field but also academic and extracurricular pursuits.
MBS, while retaining high qualities of education,has kept the school gates always open to the community and students from all backgrounds have walked through it doors. This policy of openness has resulted in a colourful history for the school.
The MBSSKL school’s bell is the oldest existing school bell in Kuala Lumpur which dated back to 1923.It is mounted in a special tower located at the Reading Corner.The school bell is now a whopping 85 years old!
On 21st July 2008, the school celebrated its 111th Birthday at the school’s premises. The event was organised by the Archive Prefects. A quiz session was held about the school’s colourful history on that day.