Wasn’t 1969 a pivotal year? That’s when the seed for Calvary City Church was sown. Right here in Johor Bahru’s bustling heart a vision took root. A vision born from a need. The rapid growth of Jurong in Western Singapore created a population boom. Factories offices and apartments sprouted. Yet spiritual nourishment was lacking. Calvary City Church stepped in to fill that void. It began not as a grand edifice but as a response to a spiritual thirst.
Rev Dr Tow Siang Hwa felt this burden acutely. He saw the need for a church in Jurong. A visit to Jurong gave Rev Philip Heng an epiphany. He saw human beehives. These reminded him of Jesus’ words about fields ripe for harvest. This spurred action. The church was approved. On January 1 1973 Calvary City Church opened. Its location was the corner of Corporation Drive and Tao Ching Road.
The first service was humble. Just 34 faithful worshippers. Young people from Taman Jurong and other churches attended. Rev James Chan a home-based Bible Study leader joined the effort. Rev Philip Heng became the part-time pastor. The congregation grew steadily. More Mandarin-speaking worshippers came. A Mandarin service started in September 1974.
Growth continued. In 1979 Calvary City Church expanded. A new church Calvary Pandan B-P Church opened in Pandan Gardens. A third of Calvary’s members formed its initial congregation. Rev Philip Heng returned to Galilee Church. Rev Edward Paauwe a Far Eastern Bible College lecturer became pastor. Later Rev James Chan served for two decades. Currently Rev Isaac Ong leads the church. He collaborates with Rev Frank Low Rev Daniel Tan and Rev Bendick Ong. Calvary City Church stands as a testament to faith dedication and answered prayer. It’s a living legacy of spiritual growth and community service. A beacon of hope in Johor Bahru.