Middle Road Church (former Methodist Church) - Singapore - Methodist Churches on Waymarking.com

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The Methodist Church in Singapore

MIDDLE ROAD CHURCH

Built between 1870 – 75, the Middle Road Church
was first known as The Christian Institute. Here,
young men gathered for recreational activities and daily worship
made possible by Charles Phillips, its trustee. He invited the
Methodists to use it from 1885 until it was formally transferred
to them in 1892. It housed the Methodist Girl’s School until
1900 and was shared with a group of Straits Chinese formed
by Methodist missionaries in 1890.

When it was officially inaugurated as the Malay
Church in 1894, it became the first Straits Chinese
Methodist Church in Singapore. It remained here until 1929
when it moved to Kampong Kapor and is now known
as the Kampong Kapor Methodist Church.

National Heritage Board

Unveiled on 22 January 2000 by
Bishop Wong Kiam Thau
Methodist Church in Singapore

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During the period of World War II, it was understood that the building was converted to a Chinese restaurant called May Blossom Restaurant. After the war, it became a motor-workshop and parking area. I remembered this well because during my school days at SJI in the 70s, I had to commute via bus service 150 which ply the route that passed by this building. The sound from hammering tools, power-drills, mechanics at work with black greasy hands, and various vehicle parts strewn around the premises was a sight I have not forgotten.

Today, this small building had been given a new lease of life to showcase the arts. Officially opened in 1999, its aim is not just to become an arts hub showcasing the works of local and international artists. But striving to be a regional arts hub for contemporary 3-dimensional artworks.

At least one photo. You're welcome to be in the picture, but please, No GPSr.