“Beacon of God’s light” is how some describe the Church of St Stephen. It stands as a testament to faith and community in Macpherson Estate. The story of this church began with Father Pierre Bouttaz. He visited people living in Macpherson Estate from 1958 to 1966. He urged the community to set up a parish.
Masses were initially held in the chapel of the Canossa Convent. Later worship took place in the school hall. An outhouse, once a dormitory for orphan boys, was converted for Sunday worship. It was a humble beginning for the Church of St Stephen. The community grew from that rickety wooden church.
Father Rene Challet started fundraising for a proper church building. Father Joachim Teng completed the endeavor. He overcame challenges with the Building Control Department. Despite the obstacles, the church forged on. Piling works began on August 15, 1976.
Finally, the Church of St Stephen was completed. Archbishop Gregory Yong blessed and opened it on April 22, 1978. However, the church faced new challenges. There was only one small meeting room. Catechism classes and ministry meetings were held in the church hall. Some meetings even took place in the dining room or in front of the priests’ residence.
Elderly parishioners found it difficult to climb to the second floor. The construction of the Paya Lebar Expressway caused the ground to sink. Cracks appeared in the church and priests’ residence. Father John Khoo took on the task of a total overhaul. A brand new church building was constructed. Lifts were added. A new belfry was erected. A new annexe building was built for administration and the priests’ residence.
On October 21, 2007, Archbishop Nicholas Chia blessed and dedicated the renovated Church of St Stephen. Catholics in Macpherson Estate rejoiced. Today, the Church of St Stephen continues to serve its community.
The Church of St Stephen also ministers to significant migrant populations. These include Tagalog and Malayalam speaking groups. The parish population reflects the greying complexion of the Macpherson district.
As you explore the grounds, notice the Marian grotto. It’s a feature common to Catholic churches. The Church of St Stephen provides green space. This is rare in Singapore. There’s also a canteen. In Singapore fellowship and food often go hand in hand.
The Church of St Stephen has a stained glass window. It depicts the martyrdom of St Stephen. St Stephen was the first martyr of Christianity. He gave up his life for his faith. His story is written in the Acts of the Apostles.
Today, Father John Bosco Pereira is the Parish Priest. Father John Lau is the Assistant Parish Priest. The Church of St Stephen stands as a beacon. It embodies faith, community, and service.