By Goh Li Ern

MANY METHODISTS KNOW that The Methodist Church in Singapore began in 1885 with the unannounced arrival of four missionaries – Dr James Thoburn and his wife, the Rev William Oldham, and musical accompanist Miss Julia Bettie.

But how many Methodists know that the Methodist Church was formed two weeks later with 26 members and probationers and a certain John Polglase, who was “elected to all the offices to which laymen were eligible”, including Sunday School Superintendent, trustee, steward and treasurer?

This was one of the interesting facts learnt by participants during the Methodist Heritage Trail tracing the history of Methodism in Singapore from 1885.

On a balmy Sunday afternoon on Oct 31, 3,000 Methodists came together to retrace the steps of the first Methodists in Singapore and to rediscover the rich heritage that Methodists have inherited. 

The participants visited the three oldest Methodist Churches in Singapore – Wesley Methodist Church, the Tamil Methodist Church and Telok Ayer Chinese Methodist Church – each representing the beginnings of the three main language streams, English, Tamil and Chinese (Hokkien). At each church, the participants saw how God preserved the church throughout the past 125 years, even through times of war.

In addition to the churches, participants also learnt about other important historical sites, including Sculpture Square in Middle Road, the former MPH building, Victoria Concert Hall, as well as the first locations of both Anglo-Chinese School and Methodist Girls’ School.

The participants had a great time during the heritage trail. In addition to learning about the history of the Methodist Church, they also got to know other Methodists outside their own local church. The volunteers did an excellent job in leading the group and the tour was like a big family outing.

Suan, a member of Christ Methodist Church, said: “This is a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.”

From its humble beginnings, The Methodist Church in Singapore grew to 38,000 strong across 44 local churches over the duration of 125 years. From a single worship service, the church has expanded to more than 150 services each week in at least 16 different languages.

This amazing story of God’s grace to The Methodist Church in Singapore was the theme that participants remembered and celebrated this year at the Methodist Heritage Day.

Goh Li Ern is a member of Paya Lebar Chinese Methodist Church.