Methodist Church in Singapore Launches 140th Anniversary Celebrations with Historic Service

SINGAPORE – The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS) officially commenced its year-long 140th Anniversary celebration on Sunday, February 16, 2025, coinciding with Wesley Methodist Church’s own 140th Anniversary Service. The milestone commemorates the founding of Wesley Methodist Church in 1885 by pioneering missionaries Bishop William Oldham and Rev James Thoburn, marking the origins of Methodism in the city-state.

Commemorative Service at Fort Canning

The launch event was integrated into the regular 8:30 a.m. service held at the historic Wesley Methodist Church building situated at Fort Canning. The significant occasion drew a large congregation, with approximately 1,338 attendees gathering to witness the start of the anniversary year and reflect on the church’s enduring legacy.

Bishop Philip Lim of MCS delivered a central sermon during the service, drawing his message from the biblical text of Zechariah 4:6. In his address, Bishop Lim exhorted the assembled Methodists with the message, “Love the Lord your God,” underscoring the foundational call of faith that has guided the church for generations. He attributed the achievement of this 140-year milestone not to human effort, but specifically “to the work of God,” emphasizing divine providence and guidance throughout the church’s history in Singapore.

Leadership and Community Representation

The commemorative service saw the attendance of key leaders from across the diverse branches of the Methodist Church in Singapore. Among the notable guests were the Presidents of the three Annual Conferences that constitute the MCS: Rev Reuben Ng, Rev Lek Yong Teck, and Rev Saravana Kumar. Their presence signified the unity and collaborative spirit within the denomination.

Also in attendance were Mr Guan Yeow Kwang, the Secretary of Trustees of MCS, and Mr Anton Moses, the Chairperson on the Council of Episcopacy, representing crucial governance and advisory bodies within the church structure. The deep-rooted connection between the church and its educational institutions was highlighted by the presence of board chairpersons and principals from Methodist schools, recognizing the significant role these schools have played in contributing to Singaporean society and nurturing future generations.

Celebrating a Legacy of Faith and Service

The 140th anniversary is more than just a historical marker; it is a period for the Methodist Church in Singapore to reflect on its journey, its impact on the community, and its future direction. Since its humble beginnings in 1885, Methodism in Singapore has grown into a vibrant community actively involved in various aspects of national life, including education, social welfare, and community outreach.

The address by Bishop Lim served as a poignant reminder of the spiritual core guiding the church’s mission – a steadfast love for God and a commitment to living out that faith. The large turnout at the launch service underscored the strong sense of identity and shared history among Methodist members.

Looking Ahead: “The Healing Nation” Concert

The launch service marks just the beginning of the planned commemorations for MCS 140. Further events are scheduled throughout the year to celebrate the anniversary and engage the broader community. A significant upcoming event is a fundraising concert titled “The Healing Nation.”

This concert is scheduled to take place later in the year, on Saturday, November 1, 2025. The venue for this event will be the Star Performing Arts Centre, a prominent location capable of hosting a large-scale public event. The fundraising aspect of the concert suggests a focus on supporting ongoing or new initiatives of the Methodist Church in Singapore, potentially related to its mission work, social service programs, or future development projects, aligning with the church’s commitment to serve the nation.

Conclusion

The launch of the 140th Anniversary celebrations represents a significant moment for the Methodist Church in Singapore. The service at Wesley Methodist Church, steeped in history at Fort Canning and attended by a cross-section of church leadership and members, provided a powerful start to the commemorative year. As the MCS looks back on 140 years rooted in the vision of its founders and guided by faith, events like the upcoming “The Healing Nation” concert signal a forward-looking commitment to its mission and continued contribution to the community in Singapore.