All anniversary celebrations have at least two elements: an origin and the milestones that come after. Wesley Methodist Church celebrates its 140th birthday this year, an occasion that also marks the 140th year of Methodism in Singapore.
The Genesis of Methodism in Singapore
The story began in 1883 when Dr James Thoburn received a letter from Mr Charles Phillips in Singapore, telling him of great work opportunities in the Malaya Peninsula. However, due to resource constraints, the missionaries in India were not able to send someone there. Two years later, in 1884, when Bishop Hurst was on his way from New York to attend a conference in Hyderabad, India, he met a Scottish merchant residing in Singapore. The merchant asked the bishop why there was no Methodist Mission in Malaya when the need for one was great. This situation was discussed at the conference, and a decision was made to send missionaries to Singapore, which was part of British Malaya then.
A search was launched for suitable candidates to be sent to Malaya. Twenty people applied for the position, but none was found suitable. Dr Thoburn looked at some people he knew and thought that William F Oldham was a suitable candidate for the position. The conference decided that Mr and Mrs Oldham, together with Dr and Mrs Thoburn, would be sent to start the Methodist Mission in Malaya. The two couples set sail for Singapore in early 1885 and were met in Singapore by Mr Charles Phillips. Charles offered them a small church in Middle Road to start their evangelical rally and preaching ministry. However, Dr Thoburn decided to turn down the offer and instead wanted to start the evangelical rally and preaching in Town Hall (which is Victoria Theatre today).
To use the Town Hall, Dr Thoburn had to get approval from the Municipal Commissioners who had oversight of the Hall. The commission comprised seven members, three of whom approved Dr Thoburn’s request to preach from the Town Hall. Three members opposed the request. The remaining member was a Chinese man who asked what the issue was all about. Dr Thoburn explained to him that the preaching would be done in English and “it was to make mankind good and to save them from drink and gambling and other sins.” The Chinese man, who was not a Christian, replied, “If these people do that for Singapore, I for one will cheerfully add my vote for them to be given permission to use the Town Hall”.
Building upon the Rock
The first sermon was delivered in the Town Hall on 8 February 1885. In 1887, the congregation moved to worship in a church built in the compound of the Anglo-Chinese School in Coleman Street. In 1907, the government granted the Mission a 30,000-square-foot piece of land on the slope of Fort Canning overlooking the Raffles Museum (which is the National Museum of Singapore today) in recognition of the Mission’s work and education. The Mission then proceeded to build a church. The Governor, Sir John Andrew, personally attended the service and laid the cornerstone of the church, which is the Wesley Methodist Church today. At 8.30am on Christmas Day 1908, the first service was conducted in this brand-new church. The rest is history.
Remembering the Past, Embracing the Future
As we reflect on the history of our church, from the establishment of the Methodist Mission in Singapore to the building of the church at Fort Canning, we can clearly see the hands of God working through the various events to bring about what we have today (Proverbs 16:9 and 21:1).
Over the years, the church has celebrated many milestones. The church’s membership grew, and an extension, Wesley Hall, was added to cope with the increased membership. The dedication of Wesley Hall in 1927 was an occasion for celebration. During the Japanese occupation, the Imperial Japanese Army used the church as an ammunition depot. When the war was over, the church was in a dilapidated state and had to undergo major restoration. A rededication service was held on 16 May 1948, after the restoration. Another milestone for celebration.
Our generation, too, can celebrate milestones as the previous generations did. Perhaps we can celebrate how the Lord preserved our community during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. During the initial phase of the pandemic, physical worship was not allowed. It was a difficult period for most of us as we had to switch to live-streaming services. It was a totally different experience, and some of us found it hard to adapt. When the pandemic was over, restrictions were lifted, and we were able to physically resume worship. Although live-streaming services continued, we did not let the experience go to waste; instead, we used that experience to reach out to the world for Jesus Christ by establishing the Wesley Digital Ministry. God was with us during the pandemic and helped us ride out the storm. He is a God who is faithful from generation to generation (Psalm 100:5), and we have every reason to thank God for His providence.
On a personal level, how can we make the church’s anniversary relevant to us? Just like all anniversaries, we too have our own original story. How did we end up worshipping in Wesley Methodist Church? Some of us were born into this church’s community because our parents or grandparents worshipped here, and naturally, we continue the family legacy to worship together in this church. Some of us were introduced to the church by friends, colleagues and family members. Is it a coincidence? Perhaps not; it is by divine appointment that we are here, in the same way, God brought Methodism to this part of the world.
We too have milestones that are worth celebrating. What are these milestones worth celebrating? Some of us got married in this church. Some of us and our children were baptised in this church. Some of us joined the ministries or committees in this church, either as participants or leaders or sub-leaders, and we were blessed or served as a blessing to others. As a community, we have many reasons to celebrate.
As we celebrate this 140th anniversary, let us encounter the living legacy of Wesley Methodist Church and the unwavering faithfulness of our God. May we be stirred to profound gratitude for the divine appointments that led us here, and for the countless ways our lives are woven into the story of Wesley Methodist Church. Inspired by the past, empowered by the Spirit, let us be living stones for Him, carrying Christ’s light into the world. Let us reflect on the goodness of our Lord, our Rock and Redeemer, for our church and ourselves.
To God be the Glory!
Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts ~ Zechariah 4: 6 (KJV)
Read also: A Story of Lifetimes in the Making
