Beneath the Singaporean sun stands the Church of the Sacred Heart. Its walls whisper tales of faith spanning over a century. Let’s step back in time.
The Church of the Sacred Heart was founded in 1910. Its story began with a growing Chinese Catholic community. Many attended the Church of Sts Peter and Paul. Father Vincent Gazeau recognized a need. He envisioned a church for Cantonese and Hakka speakers. This allowed Teochew and Hokkien speakers to remain at Sts Peter and Paul Church.
Fundraising commenced in 1908. An old soya sauce factory site became available after a novena to the Sacred Heart. French priest-architect Father Louis Lambert designed the church. It was styled in French Baroque.
Wealthy Chinese benefactors played a vital role. Mr. Jacobe Low Kiok Chiang and others donated generously. They purchased land and buildings for the church. Mr. Low donated the teak pews. Mr. Lim Sin Tat presented the Baptismal Font. Mr. Chan Teck Hee donated the central altar. He also bought buildings and land for the church.
The Church of the Sacred Heart opened its doors. Bishop Barillon blessed it on September 11, 1910. Two hundred Cantonese and Hakka Catholics rejoiced. By 1935, the congregation numbered 2150.
In 1942, disaster struck. Japanese artillery fire damaged the church during World War II. The roof, pews and fittings suffered. Thankfully, no one was hurt. Rebuilding followed but details are scarce.
Renovations occurred in 1969, 1985, 2002, and 2007. Father Paul Tay oversaw the last renovation. A seven-and-a-half-story community building was added. A columbarium garden was also built.
The Church of the Sacred Heart has a community building. It has meeting rooms and a cafeteria. There are priest offices and a religious bookshop. The building blends with two existing shop-houses. Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli once resided here briefly. It acted as the Vatican Embassy.
The original Parochial House predates the church. Mr. Chan Teck Hee donated it. It served as an anti-opium clinic and a meeting place. It housed the Catholic Young Men’s Association. Today, it is the Archdiocesan Office for Human Resource.
The Church of the Sacred Heart stands as a beacon of faith. It exudes a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. The church is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of its community. Its history is etched in its very foundation.