National Day holds a special place in TIDINGS Editor Yeo Su Chen’s heart. From joining her parents, uncles and aunties in packing and distributing National Day goodie bags at community events since she was five years old, to marching twice with the Girls’ Brigade contingent in National Day Parades as a youth and later emceeing various grassroots celebrations that brought residents together as one united community, her National Day journey has been deeply meaningful.
Here is her reflection:
This August, as a wave of red and white sweeps across Singapore to mark our 61st birthday, Wesley Methodist Church commemorates a landmark milestone of our own — our 141st anniversary.
Standing on historic Fort Canning Hill, we have always, as a church, answered our calling to shine for Christ right here in the heart of our beloved homeland.
National Day is a season for deep gratitude; it is also a season for reflection.
We thank God for a nation that is stable, peaceful and harmonious. Nestled on Fort Canning Hill, Wesley Methodist Church has witnessed Singapore’s remarkable transformation — from a humble colonial port to an independent nation-state and world-class metropolis.
The story of Wesley Methodist Church is inevitably intertwined with the story of Singapore.
For over 140 years, our church family has served the wider community — helping to establish schools, a community hospital and eldercare, youth and counselling centres, and more. Engaging deeper with the community, God has also given Wesley Methodist Church the foresight and resources to help pioneer vital community initiatives, such as the Samaritans of Singapore (SOS).
Since 1885, our spiritual pioneers gave their time and resources to help build a community anchored in care and compassion, a tradition our church continues today.
Walking around Fort Canning Road late one night during the Singapore Night Festival, I saw the illuminated cross on Wesley Methodist Church glowing through the darkness, like a quiet, steadfast, strong symbol of God’s presence in the heart of our city.
A single vessel of light can pierce the night.
But when a community unites, individual sparks transform into an unmistakable, unshakable guiding light.
As Christians, we are called to be that collective light for Singapore: building communities, restoring hope, serving our neighbours and uplifting the least, last and lost.
As we head towards Vision 2035 as a church family, we also stand on the brink of history — looking to SG70 and our church’s 150th anniversary. What we sow today in faith and service is not just for our time; it is the living spiritual legacy we entrust to our children. In the spirit of our Methodist founder John Wesley, who declared, “I look upon all the world as my parish,” let us open our doors wider than ever to bless our community and island home.
Happy 61st Birthday, Singapore!
May God’s peace anchor you, His protection shield you and His wisdom guide those who lead us. May we stand as one people — bound by a deep, resilient unity across every race, background and generation — with open hands that extend His compassion to all.
And through every season, may Wesley Methodist Church stand steadfast: a faithful beacon on the hill, lighting the way and contributing to Singapore for generations to come.
Read also: SG61: Our Home, Our Calling
