“What marriage are they talking about?” I can imagine you asking. The story of St. John’s – St. Margaret’s Church began with a unique union. This church wasn’t built from scratch. It emerged from the merging of two distinct congregations back in 1971.
Picture this. In 1971 the Dover area was mostly an open field. Some even said the area around St. John’s – St. Margaret’s Church was a graveyard. St. John’s Garrison Church stood alone on a hill. Meanwhile, at St. Margaret’s Secondary School, a congregation of about 90 people sought a permanent worship place. This congregation had been planted by St. Andrew’s Cathedral.
After careful consideration, permission was granted. The St. Margaret’s group could use St. John’s Church. Thus, on November 28, 1971, St. John and St. Margaret were joined. For its first five years, St. John’s – St. Margaret’s Church was a daughter church of St. Andrew’s Cathedral. Rev. Cecil McSparron became Priest-in-charge. He was a Cantonese-speaking Irish missionary. In January 1977 he became SJSM’s first Vicar when the church achieved parish status. Rev. McSparron emphasized scripture, evangelism and lay training. These values became the seeds for growth.
The church has been serving the Dover community for years. Initiatives like Kopi Stop have transformed into the Active Aging Centre of St Andrew’s Senior Care. Heartfriends Before & After School Care is now Heartfriends Student Care Centre.
Since 1991, St. John’s – St. Margaret’s Church has been involved in social services. These services benefit the community. They include tuition classes and support for single parents. Also, the church offers healthy lifestyle programs, eldercare, and caregiver home visits.
In 2022 the official opening of SJSM Village enabled the church to expand its service. Located on the same integrated facility are St. John’s – St. Margaret’s Church, SJSM Nursing Home, St. Andrew’s Senior Care (Dover) and Little Seeds Preschool (SJSM).
St. John’s – St. Margaret’s Church has grown significantly. It now holds diverse congregational activities in five languages. These are English, Mandarin, Tamil, Tagalog, and Bahasa Indonesia. The church seeks to connect generations within the church. It also connects across St. John’s – St. Margaret’s Village.
Many vicars have shepherded St. John’s – St. Margaret’s Church over the years. Rev. Dr Roger Campbell served from 1978 to 1985. Rt Rev. Rennis Ponniah was Vicar from 1993 to 2012. Rev. Dr Joshua Sudharman served from 2012 to 2021. Rev. Victor Teo is the current Vicar of St. John’s – St. Margaret’s Church.
Consider the prayer of St. John’s – St. Margaret’s Church. Members seek God. They care for the Church as family. They serve together. They are a witnessing community.