Here at 31 Simei Road stands Moriah Bible Presbyterian Church. It is more than just a building. It is a testament to faith and God’s provision. The story of Moriah Bible Presbyterian Church is a journey of unwavering devotion. It is a journey marked by challenges and triumphs.
Why Moriah? The name itself speaks volumes. Moriah represents Abraham’s ultimate faith in God. It was the place where God tested Abraham. He asked him to sacrifice his only son Isaac. Abraham’s willingness to obey demonstrated his complete devotion. Moriah later became the site of the temple in Jerusalem. Solomon built it to fulfill his father David’s desire. It was to be a central place of worship.
The roots of Moriah Bible Presbyterian Church trace back to January 1957. A group of young people from Life Church. They began a Sunday School in the home of Deacon Seow Chong Pin. This humble beginning at 95 Nemesu Avenue marked the start of a remarkable journey. The Sunday School classes grew. They eventually spilled into the neighbor’s garden.
In 1968, the church purchased a neighboring house at 99 Nemesu Avenue. It cost $20000. The mother church helped with this purchase. The premises were renovated and expanded in 1975. However, authorities did not approve its use as a church. This led to a nomadic period for the Sembawang congregation. They moved from Mayflower Estate to Taman Permata. They also worshipped at a halfway house and at Emmanuel B-P and Zion B-P Churches.
In April 1981, the church bid for a shophouse at 9 Kalidasa Avenue. It was approved for use as a chapel. They were unable to win the tender initially. But they eventually bought the shophouse for $380000. The Lord provided the funds through interest-free loans. These came from members, friends, and Life B-P Church.
The Mandarin Worship Service began on March 8, 1992. Preacher Chai Muei Huying came to serve in this ministry. She had been helping in Kulai B-P Church. Though small, the Mandarin-speaking congregation faithfully served God. They reached out to dialect-speaking parents. These parents were of brethren in the English Worship Service.
In 1993, the congregation approved the purchase of a bungalow. It was located at 13 Bright Hill Crescent. They sold 99 Nemesu Avenue. They also used love gifts and loans. These came from members, friends, and other B-P Churches. They purchased the bungalow at Bright Hill for $2.6 million.
The authorities rejected their application to change the use of the bungalow. God had other plans. The sale of the bungalow in June 1995 for $8 million enabled them to pay for the church site at Simei Road.
The Ground Claiming Ceremony on November 10, 1996. It was a joyous occasion. A Ground Breaking Service followed on February 23, 1997. This happened after the piling was completed.
Moriah B-P Church finally opened its doors on July 12, 1998. They held their first Worship Service. The history of Moriah is a testament to God’s provision. He leads, guides, and provides for His people. Moriah B-P Church stands as a testimony to Jehovah Jireh. The Lord Provides.