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Home About Us History Milestones of Grace
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Milestones of Grace |
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A timeline of major milestones of Wesley throughout the 120 over years of history.
| 1885 | Methodist Mission in Singapore was founded. Rev William Fritjames Oldham was appointed to head the work of the Methodist Church in Malaya. He arrived with Dr & Mrs James Thoburn and Miss Julia Battie. Weekly prayer meetings by the Oldhams held in a house in Wilkie Road. First Methodist Chapel built in Coleman Street. 7 February: First Methodist service of South-East Asia in the Town Hall (known today as Victoria Concert Hall) held. Dr Thoburn preached from Zechariah 4:6, “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit saith the Lord”. Regular services were held three times a week at the Town Hall and the Christian Institute which became the centre of Methodist work for a time. About 150 people attended. 13 February: 2nd Methodist meeting held at the Christian Institute. 15 probationary members of the first Methodist Church in Malaya were introduced. | | 1886 | The Methodist Church started a school (later to be known as Anglo-Chinese School). | | 1890 | A publishing house was set up in Selegie Road. It was named “The Amelia Bishop Press” after its donor. (Later known as the Methodist Publishing House, later as MPH.) | | 1892 | The Coleman Steet Church underwent renovations. | | 1902 | The Coleman Street Church went modern - old kerosene lamps were exchanged for new Welsbach gas burners. | | 1903 | Coleman Street Church hit a high note in the acquisition of a new organ. | | 1905 | The Methodist Hymnal was adopted for use in worship services. | | 1907 | The church at Coleman Street was sold to the expanding Anglo-Chinese School and the congregation moved, once again, to the Town Hall and the Short Street School for its services until the new church building was ready. The final plans were passed in August and construction began in October. Singapore Government granted site of 38,000 sq ft at Fort Canning to build a new Church "for the English-speaking Methodist congregation". This was in appreciation of the Methodist Church’s work in missions and education. This generous gift of the ample and choice hillside site “on the Tanglin side of the Museum” marked the end of one chapter of the history of the church, which when relocated on Canning Rise, would henceforth be known by another name. July: Final services were held at Coleman Street. 12 December: the cornerstone of new church building laid in wet weather by HE the Governor, Sir John Anderson. The English Episcopal Church was to be called Wesley Church upon its completion. The architect was Mr D Mcleod and the contractor was Mr Seah Tee. | | 1908 | The church building and manse were finally completed at the end of 1908. There it stood, a red brick building with its elegant tower in the English 14th century style, flanked by brilliant flame trees amidst the verdant green of the historic hillside. The very first service was held on Christmas morning. The church doors were punctually opened at 8.30am by Mrs John Polglase on behalf of the congregation. Thereafter, the Doxology was sung before the congregation took their seats. | | 1909 | 4 February: The formal dedication of the English Church was led by Bishop William Oldham. | | 1911 | Two memorial tablets were erected in memory of Merrill G Miller and Otto A Carlson in the west transept. The Church became known as Wesley Methodist Church. | | 1912 | Electric fans and lights installed. | | 1913 | Rev & Mrs Oechsli and their two-year old daughter arrived to take over pastoral-ship from W H B Urch. | | 1915 | May: A boy’s organisation known as the “Knights of the Holy Grail” was formed in connection with the Sunday School. There were 23 Members. | | 1918 | Rev T C Maxwell, pastor of Wesley Church resigns. Rev A J Amery & W T Cherry helped conducted Sunday services and administered the overall running of the church. | | 1919 | 28 August: Rev C E Holman appointed pastor. | | 1922 | 10 May: Renovation of parsonage. 2 October: A ladies society was started. | | 1923 | January/February: The Junior Epworth League was organised. This is the rallying point for Methodist youth, and was later renamed the “Methodist Youth Fellowship” after the war. First session of the Central Conference in Southeast Asia held at Wesley Methodist Church. | | 1926 | Plans to add a social hall adjacent to the church were fulfilled and the Wesley Hall as it was named, was used for meetings, conferences and variety concerts. | | 1927 | April 10: Wesley Church Hall dedicated. | | 1928 | The Church Hall erected and the morning service started by Rev H B Amstutz in May. | | 1930 | Women's Conference held its first meeting in Wesley Church Hall. | | 1934 | Dedication of memorial lamps donated in honour of various persons. The service was conducted by Rev H B Amstutz. | | 1935 | Series of 40 evangelical meetings was held by Dr. John Sung, turning back the tide on a growing trend of liberal theology. Chancel floor retiled. Old communion rails replaced in memory of Mrs O C Smalley, wife of the church treasurer. Teak pulpit and lectern donated by Mr Harry Bailey and new choir stalls were installed. | | 1936 | 1 July: The church newsletter, “The Wesley Tidings” launched, together with the monthly radio transmissions of Sunday evening services. | | 1937 | Bishop W F Oldham called home. 5 November: The ladies Aid Annual Bazaar. 7 November: The new Hammond electric organ, first of its kind in Malaya was dedicated and used for the first time. Mrs Sylvia Barnes Thomas gave an organ recitial | | 1938 | Rev W H Meyers was appointed as Associate Pastor. 24 September: Wesley Sunday School annual picnic was held. 12 October: Mrs Marie Oldham, widow of Bishop F Oldham called home at the age of 83. 4 November: The Annual Bazaar was held at the Wesley Hall and Mrs Kenneth S Patton officiated at its opening. 9 December: The Annual Church meeting and Fourth Quarterly Conference was held at Wesley Hall. | | 1939 | 1 July: The Bible on the lectern believed to be the largest sold by British & Foreign Bible Society donated by Mr F C Sands. 29 September: The Guild, now known as Methodist Fellowship was started. 17 December: Bishop & Mrs Edwin F Lee visited the church on Christmas Day. The pastor, Rev Amstutz became editor of the Malaya Message. | | 1940 | 29 March: The Epworth League held a variety concert at the Wesley Hall. 14 April: The evening service was broadcasted over radio. May: Rev Tyler Thompson took over editor of the ‘Tidings’ from Rev H B Amstutz. Membership stood at 227, and within the next year increased by 20%, partly accounted for by the increasing military presence. The church’s full programme had to be curtailed. No evening services or programmes were held. The popular evening service at 6.00pm was rescheduled for 4.30pm to allow sufficient time for the congregation to return home before dark. 20 July: The Sunday School Picnic held at the Garden Club at East Coast Road. 28 July: Children’s Day observed at Wesley Hall. 18 August: Former associate pastor (from 1934 - 1937), Rev W S Reinoehl preached at the evening service. 26 - 27 October: Wesley Epworth League Rally was held. 8 December: The evening service was broadcasted over radio. | | 1941 | 23 February: Wesley Fellowship was started to cater for the young men of the church. April: New choir stalls, screens, wainscoting and flowers stands were installed. 18 May: Wesley Epworth League celebrated their 51st anniversary. Theme: "Send Out Thy Light". 23 May: Pair of brass candelabra presented to the church by the young people of Wheatland Avenue Methodist Church of Logansport, Indiana here first used during the First Century Fellowship Meeting of the Epworth League. 1 July: "Tidings" 5th anniversary. 12 July: Annual Sunday School picnic held at Garden Club on East Coast Road. 12 October: Rev William Cherry, former pastor passed away in Ridley Park, Ohio. 10 - 13 December: The 50th session of the Malaya Annual Conference of the Methodist Church was held in Wesley. | | 1942 | February 8: Last pre-war service held at the Church with Rev Tyler Thomson preaching. Church premises were taken over by the Australian forces and used as an ammunition depot during the War. The pastor, Dr. H B Amstutz and Rev Tyler Thompson was interned for 3 years. | | 1945 | 12 September: The Japanese surrender - congregation at Wesley is reformed. The building was left in a terrible state. The Rev H B Amstutz managed to retrieve and reinstall some of the church furniture, the Hammond organ and the stained glass windows. Donated furnishings such as a communion table and rail, a pulpit, fans and electric lights, benches and old chairs were given to help restore the building to some of its former beauty. October: Rev T Thomson left Singapore. Dr H Armstutz was left to continue his work of restoration with the help of co-pastor, J E Christian. Later under the leadership of Rev & Mrs Waldo Reinoehl, all the work of restoration of the church was completed. | | 1946 | Paul and Sylvia Thomas back in Singapore and helped built up a 50-strong evening choir mostly made up of military personnel. The 10.00am choir was led by Miss Faith Goh and its members comprised of girls from the Methodist Girls School. 20 August: A combined Malaya Annual Conference was held in Wesley. | | 1948 | The congregation changed from a European-Eurasian predominance to a Chinese one. 16 May (Easter): Church buildings are rededicated after refurbishing is completed. Brass cross was presented by Clarks Cherry and brass collection plates by Mrs T W Hinch. Hinches. 50 new Bibles were presented by servicemen in appreciation of the “Wesley Bibles” given to internees. The sermon was preached by Dr. Amstutz. 30 May: The 6th Company of Girls’ Life Brigade enrolled 18 girls at Wesley, and 5 officers were commissioned. 18 June: Wesley MYF organised an “International Campfire” at ACS. 300 youths attended. | | 1951 | The Guild was revived. | | 1952 | Rev T K Jones Jr appointed pastor. The Newsletter began publishing with Dr Chen Chi Nan as the first editor. Pledge cards were first introduced. May: Manse at Fort Canning was purchased from the Methodist Mission. | | 1953 | 2 April: Stainer’s “The Crucifixion” was presented by the wesley evening and morning choirs and the YMCA choir. Mr Andrew Lee conducted. May: 10 new pews installed in the sanctuary. 2 June: Coronation Day. A special worship service held for the Queen. November: The Young Adults’ Fellowship was formed. | | 1954 | Rev R Butler-White appointed associate pastor. Senior Fellowship was formed. The Homemakers was started. Parish meetings were revived. 1 October: WSCS Annual Bazaar held. 21 November: Wesley’s Methodist Adult Fellowship was formed. | | 1955 | Regular prison visitations were made. August: New morning service (7.30 am) service introduced. October: Wesley service broadcasted over radio. Rev Ronald Butler-White preached. November/December: Renovations. The Church had a new coat of paint and new roadway. An “Upper Room” was built for the pastor in the church tower. | | 1956 | Rev C S Wilder appointed pastor. Dr H B Amstutz became Bishop. Wesley had its first Asian assistant pastor, Yap Kim Hao. September: Building Extension Fund project launched. Architects - Messrs Palmer and Turner. 16 December: Evening service broadcasted over radio. | | 1957 | The Church celebrated Golden Jubilee. The Church has a full-time associate pastor, Rev Yap Kim Hao. Pang Seng Road manse purchased. "Fiesta" was organised for fund raising for the new educational wing. 1 January: World Wide Prayer Year observed. 6 April: Food and Fun Fair held. 29 November: Methodist Youth Fellowship worship centre dedicated. 8 December: Bishop Hobart B Amstutz laid cornerstone for new Education Wing. Church anniversary dinner held. 12 December: Foundation stone laid by Bishop B Amstutz for new extension | | 1958 | Rev Oscar Guinn Jr appointed pastor. Work commenced on the new extension. Church membership topped the 1000 mark. | | 1959 | Rev D C Dutton appointed associate pastor. Rural West Sunday School started. 26 April: Bishop Amstutz dedicated the new church hall and educational block. July: Wesley Camera Circle formed. 18 - 19 Dec: Wesley Church Hall was the venue for the Church Union Conference. New RCA Amplifier System installed in the Wesley Tower. | | 1960 | Rev Gunnar J Teilmann Jr appointed senior pastor. Rev Lim Teng Huat & Kenneth Lau appointed associate pastor. First photographic exhibition held in Wesley Hall. 2 July: Thanksgiving supper held at ACS Auditorium. | | 1961 | Prayer calendar introduced. Miss Betty Kwan was appointed the first full-time Christian education staff also a first for Malayan Methodism. May: The Dawnbreakers (7.30am choir) was formed. Miss Roberta Ho was the choir’s first conductor. | | 1962 | Future Plans Committee formed. Sermons on Tapes launched. July: Commission on Evangelism at Wesley launched a series of sustained evangelistic meetings. October: Membership directory published. | | 1963 | Wesley Newsletter went monthly. Hearing aid system installed in the Sanctuary. 24 March: Bishop Roy H Short, Secretary of the Council of Bishops of the Methodist Church preached Wesley. October: The Intermediate Sunday School inaugurated. November: Stage in church hall renovated. | | 1964 | Rev R F Lundy elected Bishop. 20 - 23 April: Wesley Choir toured Malaya, accompanied by Dr. Aw Swee Eng who delivered the evangelistic messages. 31 May: First Sunday School Rally held. November: Organ Fund launched. 25 December: The evening Christmas service broadcasted over Radio Singapura. | | 1965 | Rev Christopher Smith appointed senior pastor. The Selegie House Sunday School started. 25 September: First joint parade and display by the 3rd Coy BB & 6th Coy GLB. 27 September: The Wesley Singers, male voices from the Dawnbreakers performed over Television Singapura. | | 1966 | Rev Michael Wong appointed associate pastor. New manse purchased at Draycott Drive. New Conn Classic organ ordered for the Sanctuary, replacing the old organ installed in 1936. The Counselling Centre co-sponsored by St Andrew’s Cathedral started by Rev Gunnar J Teilmann. | | 1967 | Church Extension appeal was launched. This was a long-term plan for what was called “Greater Wesley” which expressed the conviction that material expansion was essential to cope with the demands of a growing church. | | 1968 | Rev Kenneth Chellappah appointed associate pastor. Rural West Sunday School project handed over to the Lutherans. March: New organ installed. 18 August: Wesley Choirs presented ‘Magnificat’ by J S Bach & King David by Honegger in aid of the Sengoi Mission Funds. Rev Yap Kim Hao elected the first Asian Bishop and was consecrated at Wesley, the “mother church” of Methodism in the region. 1 December: Chen Su Lan Methodist Home, co-founded by Wesley was opened by the First Lady, Puan Noor Aisah. Bishop Yap Kim Hao conducted the dedication. 14 December: 6th Coy Girls’ Brigade celebrated 20th anniversary. 25 December: Christmas Day service was held in the Conference Hall for the first time. | | 1969 | 14 June: MYF organises fund raising concert. July: The Wesley Combined Choirs presented the musical "Trial by Jury" for the Johore Bahru and Toa Payoh Methodist churches. 1 December: Samaritans of Singapore formed. Rev Gunnar Teilmann its first director. | | 1970 | Rev Kenneth Chellapah became the first Asian pastor, ending 84 years of missionary pastoral leadership. Rev Ivy Chou and Rev Philip Chan were appointed associate pastors. 250 copies of EACC Hymnals presented in memory of Gina Tan Gim Lian. Guitar Club & peaNuts Club for the young formed. 20 September: Bus service started operation for those staying in the east. | | 1971 | Rev Richard Ong appointed pastor. Wesley celebrated 86th anniversary. Repainting and renovations to the sanctuary and halls completed. The Official Board designated 20 August as the Church’s official birthday. The Pang Seng Road manse sold. | | 1973 | Rev Tony Chi & Rev John Ling appointed associate pastor. | | 1975 | Rev Tony Chi appointed senior pastor. The Church Building Extension Fund Committee announced plans for a $1.2 million project which would double the seating capacity of the sanctuary as well as aircondition it. A new four-storey office and educational block with a two level basement carpark was also to be added. 1 - 7 September: Revival Meetings were held at Wesley, Speaker was Michael Griffiths - this marked the precursor to the Victory Meetings. | | 1976 | 20 - 21 February: The Sunday School presented the evangelistic musical "Tell It Like It Is" at the Victoria Theatre. April: Wesley Youth Centre opened in the old manse. Anthony Yeo appointed director. First Prayer & Praise services were established and were held on first Wednesday of every month. 8 - 11 July: First Victory Meetings held at the DBS Auditorium. Rev Dr Tony Chi preached. | | 1977 | Renovations to the church began. Services and classes were held at Methodist Girls’ School, Mount Sophia. | | 1978 | Rev Isaac Lim appointed associate pastor. | | 1979 | October: Renovated sanctuary and new 6-storey building ready for occupation. | | 1981 | Kim Seng Community Clinic started operations for consultation. | | 1982 | May: Wednesday Intercession was launched. June: Fifth service started at Wesley. | | 1983 | Boys’ Brigade celebrated its 50th Anniversary. Wesley Book Store launched in 1984, became known as BookNook. Wesley Senior Fellowship had its inaugural meeting. March: First Family Camp with Marriage Enrichment theme held in Port Dickson. | | 1984 | New “Strangely Warmed” logo was introduced. “King Jesus Reigns” - Victory 5 evangelistic meetings took place. The Wesley Lay Training Institute and the Small Group Ministry was launched. An Annual Missions Conference was started. The Wesley Care Force was organised. 26 January: Miss Milia Kan was commissioned as first fully supported missionary with Asian Outreach International in Hong Kong. December: A sixth worship service at 10.30am was introduced in the renovated multi-purpose auditorium, named Wesley Hall. | | 1985 | Launch of the centenary book, “By My Spirit” by Lana Wong. Small Group Ministry started up with 8 small groups. CareForce was established under the banner of the WSCS. ”Camp 100", the first combined church camp for the youth ministry was held. 10:30 am Prayer and Praise Service was launched in the Hall. The Centennial Consultation of Asian Methodist Leaders and the Centennial Evangelistic Festival were held at Wesley. 23 February: Wesley celebrated her 100th Anniversary with a service at the World Trade Centre. 7 - 9 March: Centennial Evangelistic Festival was held at Wesley. The speaker was Rev Dr Sam Kamaleson. 27 October: Rev Luis Palau preached at Wesley. | | 1986 | Mandarin interpretation (via headphones) being offered at the 9.00am hall service. Wesley Senior Fellowship was formed. An All-Night Prayer, following a Day of Prayer & Fasting, was held at Wesley in conjunction with the Luis Palau Crusade. Crisis Counselling Centre was set up by the CareForce. Church School had almost 1000 students. A Care for the Unemployed Committee was started up in response to the recession. 23 February: 101st Anniversary. Beginning of the 7th service at 9.00am (Wesley Hall). 23 March: The new 11.00am choir made its debut in the Wesley Hall. May: The Dawnbreakers (7.30am choir) celebrated their 25th anniversary. 18 - 20 July: Wesley’s Mission Conference, speaker: Dr Michael Grifiths. 14 - 25 September: 30 Wesley members went on a study tour of Israel via Athens and Cairo led by Dr Aw Swee Eng. 9 - 16 November: Spiritual Renewal Seminar held at Wesley. Speaker was Dave Smethurst. | | 1987 | A Youth Council was established. The Small Group Ministry at this time had 41 small groups, and the first Small Group Leaders Convention was held. Church membership stands at almost 3000. 22 February: Wesley celebrateed her 102nd Anniversary at World Trade Centre Hall 4. 22 March - 3 April: Holy Land study tour. 26 April: Wesley Band made its debut at the 9.00am Prayer & Praise service in the Wesley Hall. Its consisted of 5 members. July: Ground breaking service held for building extension. Target to be completed by December 1988. | | 1988 | 4 January: The first Wesley Child Development Centre (WCDC) was opened at Neil Road with 91 students. The Wesley Guys & Gals, a ministry to single adults was launched. 26 November: “Topping Up” ceremony was held to mark a significant stage in the church extension building project, the completion of the main frame structure. A Festival of Praise was organised by the Small Group Ministry, which numbered 46 groups with a full-time Coordinator. Mission work on the home front was focused on Tampines. | | 1989 | Wednesday Intercession was replaced with by Mid Week Service. The last of the Victory Meetings "Victory 6" was held at Kallang Theatre in September. The Baptismal Hall at the Sanctuary and new Basement rooms were dedicated. 9 September: Wesley Centre, housing the Youth Centre, Wesley Child Development Centre and the home of the Boys Brigade, was officially opened by Dr. Seet Ai Mee. Church extension was completed and dedicated by Bishop Ho Chee Sin, Bishop Emeritus TR Doraisamy and Bishop Emeritus Kao Jih Chung. | | 1990 | February: Wesley celebrated its 105th anniversary, and donated $25,000 to the nation’s 25th Anniversary Charity Fund. The Administrative Block was renovated. May: The first School of Music Ministry took place. Jointly organised by Wesley and Youth-With-a-Mission. The principals were Jimmy & Carol Owens. 3000 copies of the United Methodist Hymnals were donated and dedicated on Aldersgate Sunday. The Cradle Roll Ministry was launched. | | 1991 | 24 February: Wesley celebrated her 106th anniversary. Guest speaker was Rev Dr Denis C Dutton, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Malaysia. 25 - 27 March: First Holy Week services held at Wesley. Dr Aw Swee Eng was the speaker. 19 November: 1st Music Festival held. "Towards 2000" vision paper was introduced. 8th Assembly of the World Federation Methodist Women held at Wesley.For the first time, worship services were conducted daily during Holy Week. The Ministry to the Hearing Impaired is launched. Two other Ministries are launched: Wesley Haven and the Legal Ministry. | | 1992 | 15 missions trips were sent to the Riau islands, North Sumatra, North Thailand and West Malaysia. Wesley is twinned with Gereja Methodist Indonesia. Batam. Wesley became one of the 8 founding members of the St Luke’s Home for the Elderly Sick. Wesley Counselling Service was launched. Church membership stood at 4,247. Flower Committee changed name to Floral Fellowship. Wesley Child Development Centre (WCDC) at Neil Road were returned to the Land Office. The WCDC relocated to new premises at Telok Blangah, Toa Payoh and Serangoon North, and the Youth Centre to the Boys' Brigade Headquarters at Indus Road. 23 February: Wesley turned 107. Guest speaker was former pastor during the 40’s, Rev Dr Tyler Thompson. 4 April: The first Ash Wednesday was held. 26 October: Pre-Marital Preparation Course conducted its first retreat. 29 December: Wesley Drama & Theatre Group staged its first mime concert. | | 1993 | A Social Club formed by the Ministry for the Hearing Impaired. 17 January: Mandarin Service wass launched under the Prayer & Praise Committee. 31 January: First Mandarin prayer meeting started. 28 February: Mandarin Audio & Video Ministry started. November: First batch of Mandarin congregation baptised & confirmed into membership. A Wednesday staff worship was started. Wesley’s Preaching Point was established at Methodist Girls School. Monthly Filipino Worship Service was launched. | | 1994 | The current logo for the Church was introduced. 11 September: Covenant Community Methodist Church, a joint church-planting effort with Barker Road Methodist Church constituted as the 16th TRAC Methodist Church. Wesley celebrated 109th anniversary. Rev Christopher Smith spoke. Mid-week Prayer Service adopted new structure. Filipino Worship Service was incorporated as the 9th weekly service. Average weekly attendance exceeded 3500. Wesley became a Special Partner in Mission (SPIM) with local churches in other countries - Gereja Methodist Indonesia, Batam; Kunda Methodist Church, Estonia; Iglesia Evangelica Methodist Church, Pamplona, Philippines; Ipoh Wesley Methodist Church. Youth Centre launched Pre-Teen Club. Jewels Fellowship started. Singapore’s first Deaf Youth Soccer Team formed by the Ministry to the Hearing Impaired. | | 1995 | Wesley celebrated 110th anniversary with a full year of events by various ministries: Christian Education, Sunday School, Publications, Worship and Music, Youth and Missions and the WSCS. Korean Service introduced. 2 May: Mandarin congregation commenced Prison Ministry. 10 September: Wesley Heritage corner opened. 24 September: Mandarin Small Groups formed. 14 October: Wesley Medical Mission Fellowship inaugurated. | | 1996 | 21 July: The adoption of the Yi People was signed on Missions Sunday. 20 - 22 December: “Christmas At The Fort” a three evening Christmas programme was held at Fort Canning Green. | | 1997 | The Wesley Family Combined Christmas Day Worship at Harbour Pavilion brought all the Chinese, English, Filipino and Korean congregations together for the first time. | | 1998 | “Ablaze” evangelistic Rock Concert was organised by the youth ministry in March. An original evangelistic full-length musical entitled “BC The True Story” was staged at Suntec City in December over three nights. Preaching Point at Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) was launched on Easter Sunday. Restoration of the Sanctuary Tower and Retrofitting of the Sanctuary was carried out. | | 1999 | The air-conditioning system in the Sanctuary was replaced, and the Church tower was refurbished. Publications and Information became known as "Communications". The Wesley website was established, and there was greater emphasis on Information Technology. February: His Resurrection Power Dance ministry made its debut in Wesley Hall. November: The C.A.S.T. (Creative Arts Services Team) Puppet Ministry set up. 29 November: ”A Little Bit Different” evangelistic concert held at Wesley. Wednesday night prayer service was reorganised and Prayer Tithe was introduced. Wesley became partner church with Methodist Mission Society. | | 2000 | Wesley Home JOY - our first joint project with the Methodist Welfare Services was launched. "Joy In Service" CD by the Worship & Music Ministry was launched. Renovations works to Wesley Hall carried out. New computer registration systems installed at the Info Counter. ”Just One Hour” Seeker Service was launched. “Have a Heart” community outreach project to the poor and needy residents at Bukit Merah View. 30 January: Church Directions for the next three years launched. May: Wesley Players, a drama ministry formed. The stained glass at the Sanctuary was refurbished. | | 2001 | Worship service times were adjusted to what they are today, with both Sanctuary and Hall services taking place at the same time. Renovations in the Sanctuary are completed. New air-conditioning in the Basement Rooms were installed. WesleyTV was launched to provide video announcements of upcoming church events. | | 2002 | The announcement that a “Youth Ministry” for 13 year olds and above, to start in January 2003 was made. A 5-year lease for two floors of office space at the YWCA along Fort Canning Road was signed. With the exception of pastors, church administration and the communications department, all ministry staff were relocated to the new office premises in September. This helped to free up badly needed space for church school and programmes within the church itself. | | 2003 | The 4th Prayer & Praise Service started on Saturday evenings. Youth Ministry began ministering to teenagers from the secondary schools and junior colleges. The YM website was also launched (http://ym.wesleymc.org). Youth Services are launched on Sundays. Kim Seng Community Clinic closed after 22 years of serving the community. Wesley planted a church in Nong Bua Lam Phu City in north-eastern Thailand to reach out to the Isaan perople in collaboration with the Methodist Missions Society. | | 2004 | The Sunday or Church School changed its name to Children's Ministry (for those below 12) and the Youth Ministry (for those 13 and older). The Volunteer Central was formed to help church members find the right fit in their service to God. Log on to http://volunteer.wesleymc.org. Wesley Relief Ministry sent team to Leyte Island, Philippines. The Sunday or Church School changed its name to Children’s Ministry (for those below 12) and the Youth Ministry (for those 13 and older).The Volunteer Programme Administration was formed to help church members find the right fit in their service to God. Log on to http://volunteer.wesleymc.org. | | 2005 | Wesley Heritage Corner was dedicated by Bishop Dr Robert Solomon after an extensive face-lift and renovations. The Church celebrated her 120th anniversary. Highlights of the year-long celebrations include a Thanksgiving Dinner for 1,500 members and a series of love projects undertaken by various ministries of the church.  A hardcover book “Our Stories, His Glory” and an interactive CD-ROM “Welcome to Wesley” were launched to commemorate the 120th Church Anniversary. “Our Stories, His Glory” chronicles testimonies of faith and courage of 26 senior Wesley church members. “Welcome to Wesley” CD-ROM tells the history of Wesley through a fascinating multimedia presentation. The Third Place, a preaching point reaching out to unchurched youths came under the responsibility of Wesley Methodist Church. Rhythm of Praise made its debut in Wesley Hall. The Dawnbreakers choir released a CD album titled ‘Morning by Morning’ November: Wesley Disaster Relief Ministry in partnership with the United Methodist Church of Nueva Ecija, Philippines and Philippine Relief and Northern Services sent relief team to assist in the typhoon relief work in North Luzon. Wesley’s longest serving staff, Mrs Lucy Chow Nee Gan was retired after 43 years of service. | | 2006 | 21 January: Mandarin congregation Lunar New Year outreach. 19 February: Wesley celebrates her 121st Anniversary. Rev Wee Boon Hup, TRAC President was the speaker. 28 February: Rev Mary Ann Swenson, Bishop of California-Pacific Annual Conference United Methodist Church visits Wesley. 15 April: The Wesley Child Development Centre (WCDC) partners Children’s Ministry to organise its first Easter Outreach at Wesley. 30 April: First Family Worship service started. 14 May: Family Day observed. August: Repainting works begins after 10 years. Painting works expected to be completed by October 2007 26 August: WSCS Annual Food Fair was held. 2 - 5 June: Church Camp held at Putrajaya Marriott Hotel, Malaysia. 1 July: The Wesley Child Development Centres organised their first Family Sports Day. 23 September: Mid-Autumn Celebration organised by Befrienders’ Outreach Programme. 13 October: First Wesley men prayer group ‘Men in Christ’ started. 10 November: Wesley Child Development Centres Annual Graduation concert held at Wesley Hall. 18 December: Wesley was involved in ‘Celebrate Christmas in Singapore” held at Paragon Shopping Mall. 23 December: Carols by Candlelight held at the Wesley Plaza. Rev Alvin Chan preached on “The Meaning of Christmas”. | | 2007 | 11 February: Wesley celebrates her 122nd Anniversary with a combined worship services at 8.30 & 11.00 am held at the Wesley Sanctuary and Wesley Hall. The guest preacher was Rev Dr Tony Chi. 3 February: The Mandarin Service held their annual Chinese New Year Dialect Outreach in the Wesley Sanctuary. Rev Oh Beng Khee was the guest preacher. 7 April: The Wesley Child Development Centres together with the Boys’ & Girls’ Brigade held their Easter Celebration at the Wesley Hall. The Befrienders’ Outreach Programme (BOP) organised an outing to the Botanic Gardens for the elderly residents from Indus & Henderson areas. 2 - 5 June: Annual Church Camp was held at Equatorial Bangi-Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur. A total of 330 participants attended the camp. 16 - 19 July: Crisis Response Training Legazpii held at Albay (Bicol Region) Philippines. 27 July: Wesley’s oldest member, Mrs Agnes Magness passed away. She was 102. 28 - 29 July: Annual Missions Weekend. The theme was “The World Is On God’s Heart, Is It On Yours?” The guest preacher was Rev Dr David Wang, former president of Asian Outreach. 29 July: Annual Blood Donation Drive. 4 September: A group of Wesleyan visited the Maghain Aboth Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in South East Asia. 25 August: The Annual WSCS Annual Food Fair was held. 15 September: “Have A Heart”project was observed. 1 October: The Annual Staff Day was held at Sentosa Island, Palawan Beach. 9 November: Wesley Youth Centre relocated to 25 Jalan Berseh. 17 November: The Third Place at Hope Centre held its final service. 1 December: The BOP celebrated Christmas was residents of the Bethany Methodist Nursing Home. 9 December: The BOP held their annual Christmas Outreach at YWCA for elderly residents from various HDB homes at Indus Road, Henderson raod and jalan Bukit Merah. 15 December: The BOP held a Christmas Outing for elderly residents from HDB homes in the Bukit Ho Swee and Henderson areas. 15 & 16 December: Wesley was involved in ‘Celebrate Christmas in Singapore” held at Plaza Singapura. The theme was “It’s All About Love”. | | 2008 | 17 February: Wesley celebrates here 123th Anniversary. The guest preacher was Rev Dr Wee Boon Hup, TRAC President. He preached on “There Is More.” 23 February: The Wesley Youth Centre was official opened by Mrs Denise Phua, Member of Parliament for Jalan Besar GRC. 26 January: The Annual Chinese New Year Dialect Outreach was held. Guest preacher Rev Oh Beng Khee. 26 & 27 April: COSC Weekend observed. Guest speaker: Rev Dr Daniel Koh spoke in the Wesley Sanctuary and Dr Tan Kim Huat in the Wesley Hall. 18 & 19 May: COSC Conference held. Organised by The Christian Outreach and Social Concerns (COSC) and jointly organised by Trinity Annual Conference (TRAC). 11 May: The Annual Parents’ Day lunch was held at Tang Court Cantonese Restaurant, RELC International. 11 - 21 May: A total of 60 member went on a Holy Land Study Tour. 25 May: The Boys’ & Girls’ Brigade held their Enrolment Service. 19 - 24 May: The Aldersgate Convention was held at Wesley. The theme was “The Road To Glory, The Future In Wesleyan Perspective”. The speaker was Rev Dr Ben Witherington III, Professor of New Testament Interpretation, Asbury Theological Seminary. 30 May - 2 June: Annual Church Camp was held at Equatorial Malacca. Theme: Following Jesus Everywhere (All the Way). Guest speaker was Rev Dr Norman Wong. 14 - 21 June: Childrens’ Ministry organised mission trip to Cambodia. 29 June: Family Worship held at YWCA Ballroom. Theme: From Generation to Generation. Speaker: Dr Cheah Fung Fong. 19 July: Annual ‘Have A Heart” project organised for residents of Jalan Berseh area. 26 & 27 July: Missions weekend observed. Theme: “Be The Link To Praise The Lord”. 29 July: The Wesley Filipino Fellowship celebrates her 25th anniversary at the YMCA Tan Chin Tuan Function Room 1 & 2. Theme: Pressing On Towards The Goal. Annual Blood Donation organised 29 - 30 July: Wesley Annual Staff Retreat held at Changi Village Hotel. 23 August: The new premise at YWCA Outram of the The Third Place was dedicated. 30 August: WSCS Annual Food Fair held. 14 - 20 September: Crisis Relief Wesley organised relief trip to Dhorighat, Gorakphur, Utta Pradesh. 27 September: Mid-Autumn Celebration organised by Befrienders’ Outreach Programme fro elderly residents from Indus, Sarah Senior Activity Centre, Henderson Seniors Citizens Home, Queenstown Chinese Methodist Church and Kum Yan Methodist Church. Guest speaker: Rev Oh Beng Khee. 28 September: Children’s Ministry Sunday was observed. 25 & 26 October: Hymn & Praise weekend observed. 14 - 16 November: 1st ‘Boost & Rekindle’ Retreat organised by Family Life Ministry was held at Batam Harris Resort. 5 - 8 December: “Just As I Am” , a pre-teen discipleship camp was held at Praisehaven, Salvation Army. 11 December: Christmas party at Calvary Welfare Society (Johore Bahru) organised by Wesley Social Service Ministry 18 - 21 December: “King Of Glory” a youth ministry camp was held at Prince George’s Park Hostel, NUS. Camp speaker was Rev Philip Huan. 27 December: The inaugural Wesley Sports Fiesta organised by Wesley Sports Ministry held at Singapore Sports School. |
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