Celebrating Our Methodist Heritage: The Marks of a Methodist & The Methodist Heritage Tour

What defines us as Methodists? How did Methodism start in Singapore? In celebration of 140 years of Methodism in Singapore, CCMC’s Discipleship & Nurture (D&N) ministry embarked on a mission to help fellow Methodists better understand our history and heritage through two programmes: The Marks Of A Methodist, and The Methodist Heritage Tour.

The Marks of a Methodist (Jul - Aug)

Led by Rev Dr Andrew Peh, the five-session series explored the rich heritage and doctrines of Methodism, from historical perspectives and distinctive Methodist emphases to the Wesley brothers’ musical legacy and the history of Methodism in Singapore.

The Methodist Heritage Tour (Sep)

Naturally, learning about the history of Methodism stirred a desire to experience it, leading to The Methodist Heritage Tour. It was conducted by Rev Dr Andrew Peh together with former CCMC archivist Mr Goh Eck Kheng.

All smiles before we set off on the tour!

We began at Methodist Girls’ School (MGS), where CCMC is located. MGS was founded by Australian missionary Sophia Blackmore, who was supported by the Women’s Foreign Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church in America - making it a key landmark in the history of Methodism in Singapore.

Stop #1 - Wesley Methodist Church (WMC)

Wesley Methodist Church is the oldest Methodist church in Singapore. Starting with a tour of their Sanctuary, we learnt about the church’s rich history and the stories behind some of the architectural choices for their building.

Left: The Sanctuary of Wesley MC; Right: The cornerstone of Wesley MC's building.

Just outside the Sanctuary lies the cornerstone of the church building - personally laid in 1907 by Sir John Anderson, the then-governor of Singapore.

Stop #2 - Telok Ayer Chinese Methodist Church (TACMC)

TACMC is the oldest Chinese Methodist church in Singapore. We toured TACMC’s new Heritage Gallery and learned about historical artefacts such as the pulpit of famous evangelist Dr John Sung, who preached at TACMC in 1935, and a brass bell that was originally installed in 1924 at the church’s Bell Tower/Upper Room.

Left: Rev Dr Andrew Peh speaking inside TACMC's Heritage Gallery; Right: TACMC's Sanctuary

During WW2, the bell served to warn people of incoming air raids. Inside the church Sanctuary, the Chinese characters on the walls demonstrate how the Gospel have been embraced by the Chinese community.

The info plaque about ACS House, located at 70 Amoy Street.

Stop #3 - 70 Amoy Street: ACS House

70 Amoy Street served as the first location for Anglo-Chinese School (ACS). It was established by Methodist Rev William Fitzjames Oldham in 1886, with the vision to provide a quality education for the many young boys in the streets of Singapore.

The school started by providing instruction to 13 children of Chinese merchants, and has since grown to become a household name in education in Singapore.

On our return journey to CCMC, we saw the former site of Trinity Theological College’s chapel at Mount Sophia. The building was conserved when the chapel moved in 2001, and was later integrated into a condominium complex. Mount Sophia also once housed MGS, before it moved into its current location at Blackmore Drive.

Hear From The Tour Participants

Lim Eng Chong: “It’s one thing to read all about how Methodism came to Singapore and how it has grown over the years. But the experience - the sight, the touch and maybe the perceived sound - of the shophouse, the church buildings, and even the sites where MGS and TTC once stood is much richer and better entrenched in our memories.

Liew Kok Oon: “The heritage tour explored beautifully preserved churches like the iconic Wesley Methodist Church and Telok Ayer Chinese Methodist Church, with each showcasing its unique colonial-era designs. We learnt about Singapore’s early Methodist communities and their contributions to the nation’s cultural heritage. The tour is an awe-inspiring experience which speaks of God's great blessings upon this Lion City.”

Dennis Tan: “It was a delightful experience. I appreciate the commitment to share the historical aspect of the faith of the Methodists.”

Cynthia Yeo: “The tour provided precious information about our rich Methodist history and heritage. It has motivated me to perhaps promote these and more such sites to others.”

Yin Siau, Chairperson of CCMC’s Discipleship & Nurture ministry shares: “God really provides! From the days of the Methodist Missionaries coming to our shores, the first church, the first Methodist school. From Rev Dr Andrew Peh's sessions at CCMC to the historical sites with Eck Kheng. May we, like the courageous evangelists before us, continue to walk in step with the Holy Spirit to bring the Gospel to wherever He leads!”

We thank Rev Dr Andrew Peh and Mr Goh Eck Kheng for sharing their knowledge, and for the warm hospitality of Wesley Methodist Church and Telok Ayer Chinese Methodist Church during the tour. To God Be The Glory!

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CCMC’s Discipleship & Nurture (D&N) ministry aims to empower and equip disciples of Jesus through their programmes. Find out more HERE.