“Lift up your eyes and look on the fields.” Those are the words that spurred the beginning of Calvary Bible-Presbyterian Church. It is a story rooted in faith and a response to a growing community’s spiritual needs. Welcome to Calvary Bible-Presbyterian Church.
In 1969, western Singapore was rapidly developing. Factories offices and apartments were springing up in Jurong. People flocked to the area for jobs and opportunities. Yet a church was missing to cater to the spiritual needs of this burgeoning population.
Rev. Dr. Tow Siang Hwa felt this burden deeply. During a visit to Jurong, God gave Rev. Philip Heng a vision. It was a vision of beehives filled with people. This reminded him of Jesus’s words about fields ready for harvest. Rev. Philip Heng shared this with the Session at Life B-P Church. They affirmed the need to start a church in Jurong.
The authorities approved their application. Calvary B-P Church was built at the corner of Corporation Drive and Tao Ching Road. The church was inaugurated on January 1 1973.
The first service saw 34 faithful worshippers. These were young people from Taman Jurong and other B-P churches. Rev. James Chan joined the church. He had an existing home-based Bible study ministry. He helped advance the Gospel work. Rev. Philip Heng served as part-time pastor. The church grew steadily. God brought in more people.
As the number of Mandarin-speaking worshippers increased, the Church Session responded. They started a Mandarin Worship Service. It was inaugurated on September 3 1974.
The congregation continued to expand. The leaders sought to establish a new work in another part of Jurong. In 1979 Calvary Bible-Presbyterian Church expanded. They created a new church at Pandan Gardens. It was named Calvary Pandan B-P Church. A third of Calvary members supported this new church.
Rev. Philip Heng returned to Galilee as their full-time pastor. Rev. Edward Paauwe succeeded him. He was a lecturer and Dean of the Far Eastern Bible College.
After three years, Rev. James Chan became the full-time pastor of Calvary. He shepherded the church for two decades. In 2010 Rev. Isaac Ong succeeded him. He is the current pastor working alongside Rev. Frank Low Rev. Daniel Tan and Rev Bendick Ong.
Calvary Bible-Presbyterian Church also has various ministries. These include Children’s Ministry Christian Education Church Ministries Fellowship & Worship and Music Ministry. These ministries aim to nurture and edify the body of Christ.
Calvary Bible-Presbyterian Church stands as a testament to faith. It is a beacon of God’s word. Its history reflects a commitment to meeting the spiritual needs of the community. From its humble beginnings to its present-day ministries the church remains dedicated to spreading the Gospel. The church is ready to welcome all who seek fellowship and truth.