Geylang Methodist School

Did the walls of Geylang Methodist School ever whisper tales of explosions and resilience? Here we stand before Geylang Methodist School, a testament to the enduring spirit of education. Imagine young girls, in their everyday clothes, eager to learn within the walls of a church. Geylang Methodist School began humbly in 1924 with just 27 students. The school’s founders, Reverend Lloyd Sullivan, Mrs. Chia Han Kiat, and Miss Walker, understood the importance of education for the children of Geylang. They knocked on doors, persuading families to send their daughters to this new Methodist school. Classes initially took place inside Geylang Chinese Methodist Church, sharing space with the congregation. But the church and the school’s first location was sold to the British government to build a post office. The school moved and eventually had its own classrooms built. Then World War II erupted, silencing the halls of learning. The Japanese army occupied the school grounds, transforming them into military barracks. In 1943, a devastating explosion rocked the site, damaging the church, school, and parsonage. The Japanese abandoned the premises. Yet, Geylang Methodist School was not defeated. In 1946, the determined Mrs. Thio Suan Cheok reopened the school, welcoming a flood of students eager to resume their education. Geylang Methodist School became a government-aided institution in 1949 and expanded to offer secondary education. It moved to its current location at 2 Geylang East Central in 1983. The school then transitioned to a co-educational institution in 1984, becoming the Geylang Methodist Secondary School. Today, Geylang Methodist School stands as a symbol of perseverance, echoing with stories of its remarkable past. The school has continued to grow and evolve. Its journey reflects not just its own resilience but also the transformation of Singapore. From a small girls’ school within a church to the modern institution it is today, Geylang Methodist School continues its commitment to nurturing young minds.