Seventh Day Adventist Community Church

Did you ever hear of a church built by a single man’s vision and generosity? Right here on Thomson Road stands the Seventh Day Adventist Community Church. It’s a testament to the dedication of Elder C. M. Lee. He not only funded the construction of this impressive building in 1956 but also envisioned it as a place of both worship and education. The Seventh Day Adventist Community Church wasn’t just meant to be a spiritual haven. Lee also dedicated six classrooms and two offices on the lower floor to house a Chinese school. The Seventh Day Adventist Community Church’s official opening ceremony took place on January 18, 1958. This event wasn’t just a dedication of the church building. It also marked the birth of San Yu High School. The school and the Seventh Day Adventist Community Church have always shared a close relationship, which I’ll tell you more about in a moment. The Seventh Day Adventist Community Church has a rich history. It originally shared a space on Penang Road with English and Malay-speaking congregations. They took turns holding Sabbath services there until 1957 when the Chinese congregation finally had their own home on Thomson Road. The church continues to thrive today, serving as a center for the Seventh-day Adventist community. They offer Sabbath School every Saturday at 10:00 am, followed by worship service at 11:00 am. Now, about that school. Elder Lee’s dream of integrating education and faith became a reality with the founding of San Yu High School. The school initially faced financial difficulties, nearly closing in 1962. But the church stepped in, taking over its operation, making it the first high school run by a local church in denominational history. Creative fundraising initiatives, like an annual Jumble Sale, ensured the school’s survival. Under Principal Wang Ho Chun’s 26-year leadership, San Yu High School flourished. They built new classroom buildings, modernized equipment, and installed air conditioning. The school’s curriculum prepared students for both the Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education and the Advanced Certificate of Education. The success of San Yu High School, like the Seventh Day Adventist Community Church, is a testament to collaboration and community. Both institutions remain vibrant hubs of faith, learning, and service.