Down
through the years
1918
– The seven founding members of The Cantonese Church led by Mr. Lam
Iu Cheung, began worship meetings at Yeung Ching School, 1 Club
Street. Most were Christian teachers from China. This gathering of
believers was called The Cantonese Church and for many years, did not
have their own church building. The guiding principle of this new
church was independence, to be self-supporting and to raise her own
preachers.
1918
to 1955
(except for the Japanese Occupation years) – These brothers and
sisters received much grace and favour from the missionaries of the
Methodist Society and through their assistance, worship services and
Sunday School classes were held at Oldham Hall Chapel, ACS, Coleman
Street for 37 years.
1926
to 1941 – The Methodist Society recommended evangelists to The
Cantonese Church to preach God's Word on Sundays. This closer link
with the Methodist Society led to the Cantonese Church being labeled
in name as one of the churches under the Methodist Society.
1942 to 1945
– The WWII years. The people gathered at the Armenian Church, Hill
Street (during the Japanese Occupation). During this period, Mr Kao,
principal of the Lingnan School (Branch) was a prisoner of war. He
survived the incarceration Through God's grace and after his
release, decided to serve God in a full-time capacity. Mr Kao was
appointed Preacher in June 1943 to serve the congregation of The
Cantonese Church. He
rallied the church members to start a thanksgiving fund for a church
building of their own.
Jan 1 1946 –
After the war, the pastors and LCEC decided to buy land to build a
church to be named Kum Yan*. Their faith in God was strong even though
the "banana notes" they had saved painstakingly over the past
years turned into worthless papers. The church leaders agreed
unanimously to raise funds again for the church building and they led
the way by making the first pledge of $14, 500 (a large sum of money
in those days).
*
感 恩
To
have experienced and to continue to experience grace
-
a testimony of God's faithfulness
-
our dependence on Him
To
give thanks
-
acknowledge a loving Heavenly Father
1950
– The land at 1 Queen Street was purchased.
1955
to 1957
– Worship services were held at Wesley Methodist Church until our
own building was ready.
1957 –
The ground-breaking ceremony was held in February, the memorial stone
was laid on 3 March and the completed church building was consecrated
in December. Henceforth, the church was called The Cantonese Methodist
Kum Yan Church and the Church Anniversary was subsequently celebrated
on the first Sunday of March. The total cost of construction was close
to $240, 000. The church had more than enough funds, with $2, 000 left
over.
This
became a principle of operations for Kum Yan Church: God will provide
when His people honour Him. We shall not be in want.
1958
- The Kum Yan Kindergarten began operations at the beginning of the
year. The congregation grew in size and the church ministries expanded
to include the choir, women's fellowship, youth fellowship and
junior fellowship groups.
1963, 1964 – Our 1st extension which gave us a 4-storey
annex building.
1993 –
The annex building was built up to 7 storeys.
Building
upon our legacy
God's grace is poured out over the whole KY family. While
reaching Cantonese-speakers continues to be a mission of Kum Yan
Church, our scope has broadened over the years.
1969 – Toa Payoh mission point (English work)
1974
– Toa Payoh 2nd Gospel Hall (Mandarin work)
1984
– English congregation, Mandarin congregation
1991
– Toa Payoh congregation established as Gloria Methodist Church
1996
– Outreach and ministry at Woodlands Carepoint began
1999 –
Youth Connection: a dedicated youth ministry
2000
– Kum Yan's Mission statement crafted
2001 – July, Children's Church started
The ministry to children has always been important. From the
ACS days, the Sunday School has been in existence because of the
importance of Christian Education. From young to old, we are to be
nurtured in the Word of God. This evangelical stand has enabled us to
weather the storms in our history. There was a transition to
Children's Church from children worship and Sunday school in the
second half of 2001. Children, like the adults, can worship God; be
fed on His Word and engage in praying and caring for one another.
2001
– August, Kum Yan's Vision Statement crafted
As a church, our vision is to be a caring community, a
lighthouse and home in the city; bringing hope and purpose through a
life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ to all peoples of all
ages.
2002 – Commissioned our own missionaries (five)
(seniors) 2002 – A week-day Cantonese Senior Citizens Fellowship "Feng
Cai Ting"
2003 – Junior Youth Connection started
2003 – Launched Church Building Fund, to rebuild our Sanctuary and annex
After 46 years, our members and ministries have increased. Our needs have changed, of which the current design and
layout of our Sanctuary and annex building cannot meet. We have to
stay relevant to the changing landscape around us as well as to the
new communities of people who have moved into this educational belt
cum arts and civic district.
2004 – Engaged Architect to draw the plans for the new church building
2005 – March 20, First Sunday Worship Service at no. 8 Queen Street. The
church was renamed Kum Yan Methodist Church.
2005 –
May 8, Ground-breaking Ceremony at no. 1 Queen Street
A historic day in the life of Kum Yan Methodist Church. The
excitement of the brothers and sisters who gathered for this event
which was officiated by Bishop Rev Dr Robert Solomon and Rev Khoo
Cheng Hoot was no different from that of the group in 1957. They are
witnesses to the birth of a new chapter in the record of Kum Yan’s
history. A new Sanctuary and Church Building that will glorify God
will be built at 1 Queen Street. The total cost of the project will be
at least $6 million.
2006 – November, expected completion of the new Sanctuary
We
see God opening windows of opportunity to connect with the community
around Kum Yan. As we begin to partner with God, new ministries will
be entrusted to us. When the Singapore Management University began its
2005 term in their city campus, Kum Yan Church is willing to become a
home away from home for the many international students and lecturers
in that community. We hope to be a channel of blessing to bring
God's love to those who do not know Him yet. Hence the basis of our
building project is that we may be more effectively used of God with
every resource that Jehovah Jireh has provided.
