Question: What began as a small Gospel House in Geylang has blossomed into the vibrant Christ Methodist Church we see today?
Christ Methodist Church has a rich history. It continues to serve the community. We are standing before a beacon of faith. It stands at 597 East Coast Road.
Let’s journey back to the early 1900s. Geylang was then a collection of kampongs. In 1905, a small group of Christians established a Gospel House. It consisted of just eighteen members. Over the decades, the number of worshippers grew. By the 1930s, they gathered in a church building along Aljunied Road.
The first pastor was Rev E S Lau. He served the congregation until 1951. Rev Lau was appointed to Geylang Chinese Methodist Church in January 1930. There was no English-speaking congregation then. Sunday School classes were conducted in the morning. Methodist Youth Fellowship meetings were in English in the afternoon. From these two groups, the genesis for an English service was seeded in early 1931. The service soon drew in girls from Geylang Methodist Girls’ School. Other young adults gradually joined too.
A year later, a Local Church Conference was instituted. The English-speaking congregation was organized. It was recognized as distinct from the Chinese church. Thus, Geylang English Methodist Church was born.
Rev Lau continued to serve throughout the war years from 1942 to 1945. During the Japanese Occupation, the church was used as an ammunition depot. An explosion in 1943 damaged the roof. The parsonage and the school were also affected. Services continued uninterrupted. They were held in St Andrew’s Cathedral. Later, they moved to the Hill Street Armenian Church. This arrangement lasted until Singapore was liberated in August 1945.
After the war, the congregation returned to Geylang. The church building was badly damaged. Much equipment was looted or burned. Rebuilding was necessary. Members spontaneously took it up. Congregational life was resumed. This continued until 1951. Rev Ong Chaik Ghee then took over as pastor.
As the church grew, the premises became too small. Sharing was no longer feasible. It was decided that new premises were needed. In 1958, two sites were considered. One was in Koon Seng Road. The other was near Telok Kurau and East Coast Road. The latter site was purchased in 1958 for $51,000.
Work on the church building started in March 1960. The building cost $100,000. Bishop Hobart B Amstutz officially opened it on 9 December 1960. Mrs L C Loong suggested renaming it Christ Methodist Church.
Christ Methodist Church then expanded further. A two-storied education center and memorial hall were constructed in 1964. This was completed a year later. The building was named the Berckman Memorial. It honored Rev Hoadley Berckman. He was an American missionary attached to the church from 1958 until his death in 1963.
Even from the early days, the focus was clear. The intent was to reach out to residents. Outreach was the main driving force.
In 2009, a Church Redevelopment Committee was formed. It oversaw the rebuilding project. Demolishing and rebuilding was the best way forward. The church office and services were relocated to Saint Patrick’s School.
After three and a half years, the new building was completed. An Open House was held on 30 August 2014. It attracted more than 1,500 visitors. The new building communicates the church’s mission clearly. It even won a design award from the Singapore Institute of Architects for 2014.
Today, Christ Methodist Church continues to thrive. It has increased its engagement with local and overseas communities. The church remains committed. It seeks to be intentional disciples. It shares Christ’s love. It makes disciples of all nations.
As you leave Christ Methodist Church, consider its enduring legacy. It is a testament to faith. It shows the power of community. It embodies a commitment to service. May its story inspire you. May it encourage you to embrace your own journey of faith and purpose.