Before 1852 a significant Catholic community thrived in Aukang the Teochew name for Hougang. Father Ambrose Maistre a pioneer priest arrived. He established a station to serve these Catholics. The first baptism occurred in 1853. An attap chapel and presbytery were built on land acquired from the British East India Company. This was later replaced by St Mary’s Chapel a small brick church. The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s story begins here.
This humble beginning marked the start of the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s rich history. The parish consisted mainly of Teochew farmers and fish dealers. Early records indicate around 700 Chinese Catholics in the area. Many were from Siam and Malacca. Others hailed from Teochew Swatow in Southeastern China.
By 1894-1896 the congregation outgrew St Mary’s Chapel. Half the parishioners had to stand outside during Mass. This prompted the construction of the present Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Father Jean Casimir Saleilles commissioned the building in 1898. Designed in a neo-Gothic style by Father Charles Bénédict Nain it accommodated around 650 people. Its construction finished in 1901. Bishop Rene Michel-Marie Fee blessed it on December 8 1901. The Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The church’s name was changed to the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary continued to grow. By the 1930s attendance reached 1350. Side transepts a sanctuary and sacristy were added in 1933 doubling its size. The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary became a safe haven during difficult times. It provided protection during the Japanese Occupation.
The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary also played a vital educational role. Tao Nan School founded in 1892 became Holy Innocents’ High School. Holy Innocents’ English School established in 1916 later became Monfort’s School. Holy Innocents’ Chinese Girls’ School founded in 1932 is now Holy Innocents’ Primary School. CHIJ Our Lady of the Nativity established in 1957 is a testament to its influence on education. St Francis Xavier Minor Seminary built in 1924 still stands nearby.
The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary embraced change. Vernacular languages were introduced in the liturgy after Vatican II. In 1971 Teochew Masses began here. It remains the only church in Singapore to offer Teochew Mass. Urbanization in the 1970s and 1980s brought resettlement for many parishioners. The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary however remained the heart of the community.
Today the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary serves thousands. It also houses a kindergarten and an elderly daycare facility. The Matthew 25 soup kitchen provides meals to the needy. Its five English choirs and other language choirs enrich the community. The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary a national monument stands as a symbol of faith resilience and community. It is a living testament to its enduring legacy in Singapore.