Telok Ayer Chinese Methodist Church, Methodist church at Telok Ayer Street, Singapore.
Telok Ayer Chinese Methodist Church is a house of worship on Telok Ayer Street marked by an interesting mix of architectural styles. The structure combines arched windows, Byzantine elements, and a Chinese-style roof at the corner with Cecil Street.
Benjamin Franklin West founded this first Chinese Methodist place of worship in Singapore in 1889 after the community initially operated from a shophouse on Upper Nanking Street. Later, during World War II, the building provided refuge while still operating, and underwent major renewal in the 1990s.
The congregation uses this place for services in multiple languages, bringing together different local communities. Visitors experience a worship space that continues to reflect cultural diversity in how it functions today.
The building sits at the corner of Telok Ayer and Cecil Street, making it straightforward to locate. Visitors should keep in mind this is an active worship space, so consider timing around prayer times and services.
During World War II, the congregation reinforced the exterior walls to shelter around 300 people while continuing to operate. This role as a refuge marks the place as a space that opened its doors during difficult times.
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