Wesley Tidings Newsletter Issue 02 2015

T I D I N G S

Bi-monthly magazine of Wesley Methodist Church (Singapore)

WesleyISSUE 2 | March - April 2015

MCI (P) 005/01/2015

Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit.

Ephesians 5:18b-19a (NIV)

Wesley Tidings ISSUE 2 | March-April 20152

It brought to mind what I have always felt was one of the most poignant moments after Jesus’ death – the women who eagerly went to His tomb to anoint Him with spices entered it only to find it empty. Jesus’ body was nowhere to be found! One can only imagine the confusion and loss that must have overwhelmed them because we, unlike them then, know that we ARE going to see Jesus!

Hence, as we move through the season of Lent and contemplate Jesus’ sacrifice and death, we should also dwell on the life that ensues because of this loss. His resurrection is our Promise – so let us bask in His hope and peace, knowing that He has gone ahead to prepare a place for us in His kingdom.

02 From The Editor

03 So Says Our PIC

on file04 Mandarin Ministry Chinese New Year Evangelistic Outreach

04 Organ Concert

05 Wesley 130th Anniversary Combined Service

06 Teaching Series

09 Our Heritage

spotlight14 Introducing The Old/New Wesley Logo

16 Perspectives

23 Transitions

24 Photo Moment

from the editorcontents

Peggie Chan

Empty

A tree in my garden ‘hosted’ a mother bird which had built a nest to

hatch the egg she laid. Daily, the nest was a hub of activity – the mother bird shifting around, adjusting its position, other birds gathering nearby, chirping nosily. For my family and me, it was a time of anticipation as we checked on it occasionally, expectantly.

And finally, the baby bird was hatched.

But before we knew it, the excitement died down, the noise ceased, and the nest was completely quiet. And when we checked it, it was empty! Only the twigs remained and we could see through the nest now, unlike previously when both mother and nestling were in it.

It was for us a sad sight – the emptiness, the vacuum and the absence of the life which we had just witnessed a while ago.

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to becoming a follower of Jesus, I read the Bible and could not make much sense of it. The moment I came to faith in Christ, it seemed that my mind was set free to understand what the Bible is all about. Who we are and whose we are would determine whether we can hear the words of God.

Who we are affects how we hear. If we are depressed and downtrodden, words like “you are beautiful” may be heard as words of sarcasm or ridicule. If we are angry and bitter, words like “I can’t make it today” may be heard as words of rejection and condemnation.

Whose we are affects what we hear. “That was a great presentation” from an enemy may be heard as words of hypocrisy. The same words from a mentor are heard as words of affirmation. In short, our relationship with the speaker often determines what is heard.

Do you know who you are? Do you know whose you are? The next time you get upset with someone’s words, consider who heard those words. If you listen as God’s beloved child, maybe those words will lose its power on you. By the same token, if you listen to the words of Jesus, “I am with you always” in your identity as God’s beloved child, these words will give you power for your life.

Pastor Shih Ming

so says our PIC

Words are a part of life. Words communicate. Words can make or break a life. That old English rhyme – “Sticks and

stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me” – is simply untrue. Words can kill. Ask the parents of the boy who took his own life because someone called him an idiot. Ask the girl who slashed her wrist because he said, “I don’t love you anymore.” Ask the woman who is going through the drudgery of a meaningless existence after she heard him say, “I want a divorce.” Ask the father who remembers the last words of his son who walked out the door to be, “I hate you!” That’s why the writer of Proverbs 18:21a says, “The tongue has the power of life and death…”

Words are powerful and the impact on others is often determined by the context in which the words are spoken. “ACS is the best school in the world” is an expression of school pride at an Anglo-Chinese School old boys’ gathering but in the company of others, it is evidence of alleged arrogance.

Besides being mindful of how we speak our words, we need to also consider how we receive the words spoken to us. In John 8:47, Jesus said, “He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.” Whether you hear what God says to you is contingent on whether you belong to God. I know this from personal experience. Prior

Do you know who you are? Do you know whose you are? The next time you get upset with someone’s words, consider who heard those words.

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25 January 2015, Sunday, Wesley Hall, 2.30-4.00pm • Guest Speaker: Moses Lim

on file

Chinese New Year Evangelistic Outreach

Organ Concert15 March 2015, Sanctuary, 7.30pm

Wesley 130th Anniversary

PHOTOS: JOHNNY KOH

Featuring Barry Holben, Vice President of Allen Organ Company and Evelyn Lim, Vice-Principal (Musical Arts) – Methodist School of Music.

Songs of praise by Yuko Kamimoto, Darren Sng and Jusuf & Nadia Kam.

More photos at www.wesleymc.org - Life@Wesley!

Mandarin Ministry

Barry Holben

Left to right: Yuko Kamimoto (soloist ) & Evelyn Lim

Darren Sng (flutist) & Evelyn Lim Jusuf Kam & Nadia Kam (duet)

Left to right: Nadia Kam, Jusuf Kam, Loong May Lin (MC) , Barry Holben, Evelyn Lim, Darren Sng and Yuko Kamimoto

More than 550 people attended the annual Chinese New Year outreach. Local actor, entertainer and food connoisseur,

Moses Lim, shared his testimony while speaking on: “The Gift of Knowing You”. More than 30 people came forward at the end of the event – some to be prayed for and others to receive Christ.

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Combined Worship Service15 February 2015, 8.30am & 11.00am • Guest Speaker: Bishop Dr Wee Boon Hup • Sermon Topic: That’s Me

Wesley 130th Anniversary

on file

PHOTOS: HO TZIN YIH

More photos at www.wesleymc.org - Life@Wesley!

Two combined services were held to celebrate the 130th anniversary of

Wesley Methodist Church. About 4,000 people turned up for the celebration. The speaker, Bishop Dr Wee Boon Hup, spoke on the biblical perspective of the Jubliee. Notably, the word Jubilee originated from the Hebrew word for ram’s horn, which was blown to declare that God’s favour has come. Rev Dr Wee reminded the congregation that God’s favour is

not just about celebration and being beneficiaries, but also about giving and being benefactors – remembering and reaching out to the poor and the oppressed (whether physically, emotionally or mentally) amongst others. God’s favour calls for a faith response followed by action. Hence our celebrations should also bring about restoration, freedom and the fullness of life.


teaching series

The Church And Why She Matters (Part 2)

Introduction

In the previous article of this two-part series, we looked at “the Church and why she matters” from the perspective of her

relationship with the Gospel (or Good News) of the Christian faith. We concluded that the Church matters indeed as she is an integral aspect of the Gospel (as comprehensively understood). We have been saved from sin for a life of self-giving love, which can only be exercised in the context of a community. The Church is God’s appointed community to fulfil the purpose of our salvation. Rejecting her, therefore, amounts to no less than rejecting the Gospel itself.

In the Bible, the Church is described using several different terms. She has been called “God’s temple” (1 Cor 3:16-17), the “Bride of Christ” (Rev 19:6-8) and “God’s household” (1 Tim 3:15), amongst other designations. Each descriptor tells us something important about the nature of the Church. In this article, we focus on one of the more prominent ways the Bible describes the Church: As the “body of Christ”.

The Church as the “body of Christ”When Scripture calls the Church the “body of Christ”, it is describing a deep spiritual reality which has come into being through the life, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. This spiritual reality has the following two aspects:

A. The Church is intimately joined to Christ The description of the Church as the “body of Christ” is

accompanied by the assertion that Jesus Christ is the “head” of this body (Col 1:18). This expresses the reality that there is an intimate union between Christ and His Church; that the Church is joined to Christ in much the same way as a body is joined to its head. We are given a peek into how truly organic this union is in the famous encounter between the apostle Paul and the risen Christ on the road to Damascus. Paul was then known as Saul, the persecutor of Christian communities in and around Israel. The voice which confronted him said, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” Subsequently, the speaker identified himself, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting” (Acts 9:4-5). The notable thing is that Saul, at

that time, was persecuting the Church, not Jesus personally. But the risen Christ does not draw that distinction. “Why do you persecute me?” was His question. There is such a close identification between Jesus and His Church; such an intimate union between them, that what happens to one is seen as equally impacting the other.

This union between Christ and His Church has very significant implications. We highlight two here. The first is that, because we have been joined to Christ, His life, death and resurrection become the pattern of the Christian life. Christians therefore are called to die together with Christ and then to be raised together with Him to a new life. This entire Christian journey is enacted in our baptism (Rom 6:1-4). The dying referred to here is a dying to the old self within us, which was enslaved to sin. We are subsequently resurrected to a new life of self-giving love towards God and other people (Rom 6:5-14). It must be added, however, that for many Christians throughout the ages, this dying and rising again takes on a more literal meaning. They live in times and places where remaining faithful to Christ means being subjected to physical torture and death. Whether literal or figurative, this call for Christians to die together with Christ and then to be raised together with Him is a tough one to embrace. It frequently involves significant suffering, as we take up our own crosses and follow Jesus to Calvary (Lk 9:23-24). All this makes a mockery of the teaching we sometimes hear that embracing Christianity is a sure-fire method to achieve a prosperous, successful and comfortable life.

The second implication of us being joined to Christ is the somewhat shocking teaching that, because we have been united with Christ, God the Father now views us in much the same way He views His beloved Son Jesus Christ. We have, in the words of Paul, received the spirit of adoption as sons and daughters of God, and been given the unimaginable privilege of calling God “Abba! Father” (the same way our elder brother Jesus addresses God). What is more, if we are children of God, we are also heirs – we have an inheritance from God our Father (Rom 8:14-17). This inheritance is actually one

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which rightfully belongs to Jesus Christ as the only Son of God, under whose feet God the Father will eventually place everything (1 Cor 15:27). But because we have now been joined with Jesus, we are “co-heirs” with Him, since we also have a share in this glorious inheritance (Rom 8:17). We lowly sinners deserve, of course, none of this. It is all bestowed upon us by grace – God’s unmerited favour upon us. The early Church theologians have a wonderful phrase which encapsulates this truth: “Who Christ is by nature, we have become by grace.” All this is possible because we have been joined to Christ our head by becoming members of His body, the Church.

B. The members of the Church are intimately joined to one another

The second reality which the Church as the “body of Christ” depicts is the intimate way in which the members of this body are connected to one another. As Paul puts it, “there are many members, yet one body” (1 Cor 12:20). Because these members are part of one and the same body, we need one another, and the diversity each of us contributes. To insist that everyone in the Church must be exactly like us is as absurd as preferring a body which is wholly made up

of only one member, e.g. a human-sized eye or ear. Such a body is not only grotesque, but also severely impoverished, in that it is unable to carry out the numerous diverse functions of a healthy body (1 Cor 12:14-24). Also, because we are members of the same body, what happens to one of us impacts all the others in a profound way (1 Cor 12:26). Try to remember the last time we stubbed our toe or suffered a muscle cramp, and we will instinctively understand what Paul is saying here.

One implication of us being joined to one another in the body of Christ is that we must develop a deep concern for the unity of the Church. In a few of the churches Paul was ministering to, the members were quarreling bitterly with one another, to the point where the fellowship had split into opposing factions (e.g. 1 Cor 1:10-13). Paul’s description of the Church as the body of Christ was used mainly to address such unhappy situations. He reminds the quarreling Christians that, just as there is only one Christ, there is only one body (Eph 4:4-6). Members of this body must therefore accept one another in spite of our differences. In fact, as we have seen earlier, it is precisely because of our differences that we are able to bless one another (with things we have but others lack). It is our differences which bring about

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the rich diversity which a healthy body should possess. The alternative to this mutual acceptance is to break fellowship with our brothers and sisters, and form an entirely separate community. This, however, is an act of dividing Christ (1 Cor 1:13). It is akin to taking a knife and chopping up Christ’s body into many parts, like how the butcher in the market dismembers the carcass of the animal he is selling.

Instead of dividing Christ, God’s will for us is to live according to the reality that we are intimately joined to one another in the body. Each of us, with our unique set of responsibilities, spiritual gifts and characters, have a crucial role in building up this body (Eph 4:11-12, 4:15-16). The body of Christ is the place where its members bless and are blessed by one another. This should be happening, first and foremost, in our local churches, as we gather regularly to worship and to serve. But the body of Christ is a far larger entity than our local church. It is the community of Christians which extends throughout space and time. To realise the full blessings of belonging to this body, we have to start to fellowship with brothers and sisters beyond the walls of our local church. In our globalised and interconnected world of today, many of us have opportunities to meet Christians from other nations and cultures. Take time to know them, and learn about how they understand and express the Christian faith. Through this fellowship across space, we glean valuable insights which we (with our blind spots) are unable to see on our own. It is also tremendously enriching to fellowship with Christians across time. We do so by reading and reflecting upon the writings of prominent Christian thinkers from the past two millennia, which constitutes an invaluable treasury of truth and wisdom.

Present-day management gurus stress the notion of “Knowledge Management” (often abbreviated to “KM”). They teach that one of the most precious assets an organisation has is its store of knowledge, and give advice on how it can effectively store, retrieve and disseminate this precious asset in order to advance its goals. It must be said that the Church in Singapore does not have a good KM record. We often think that we are the only Christians who ever lived. When we encounter an issue, our first response is to try to grapple with it using our own knowledge and resources, which are often shallow and woefully inadequate. We forget that there is an entire community spanning across space and time, waiting to bless us with their learning, experience and wisdom. We forget that we belong to the body of Christ.

teaching series

ConclusionThe Church is a critical part of God’s plan to redeem fallen humanity, and to give us a hope and a future glorious beyond our imagination. Membership in this Church is therefore a deadly serious affair. The way in which God has chosen to redeem and bless us is not by plucking individuals directly up to heaven. Instead, those to be redeemed are to be incorporated into the body of Christ. It is only in that position that we are joined to Christ, our head, and receive all the blessings and obligations of this union. It is only in that position that we might become by grace who Christ is by nature. It is only in that position that we are joined to one another, and have the opportunity to bless and be blessed by other members of the body, which extends throughout space and time.

Membership in the Church is a deadly serious affair. May God forgive us for the times we have not treated the body of Christ with the reverence and respect she deserves. These are the times we have divided the body and refused to fellowship with certain of our brothers and sisters. These are the times we have, in good consumerist fashion, disdained the Church for not doing enough to meet our needs and keep us entertained and fulfilled. These are the times when we use a sacred thing like church membership as a front for other ends, like getting our children into Christian schools or building up our business networks. May God forgive us, and may we grow more and more each day to love His Church, the body of Christ, through which we are intimately joined to our Lord and one another in a deep spiritual reality going beyond what the eye can see.

Dr Leow Theng Huat

Dr Leow Theng Huat is a lecturer in theology and church history at Trinity Theological College. He was brought to Wesley Methodist Church by a friend when he was in secondary school. It was in Wesley that he was discipled, baptised and given opportunities to serve. He is married to Cheng Ping, and they have three young children.

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As Wesley Methodist Church celebrates its 130th year, the Wesley Archives & Heritage Ministry would like to commemorate, in a three-part series, the work of foreign missionaries and local pastors who have answered God’s call to bring His light into the world.

We will take a look at the missionaries and pastors who have helped shepherd the congregation of Wesley Methodist Church, from the unannounced arrival of her first missioners in 1885 to the present time.

Whom Shall We Send?Pastoral care for God’s people at Wesley Methodist Church

It all started with a vision that Dr James Mills Thoburn had when he was

the Presiding Elder of the South India Conference (of the Methodist Church) – to extend Methodist work eastward to Rangoon, Singapore and Manila. Missions were set up in Rangoon in 1879, followed by Singapore in 1885 and Manila in 1899.

One morning in February 1885, a steamer sailed into Singapore’s harbour carrying onboard Rev Dr and Mrs James Mills Thoburn, William Fitzjames Oldham and Miss Julie Battie who would begin their mission work in Singapore and Malaya. Evangelistic meetings were immediately organized at the Town Hall (now known as Victoria Theatre). On 8 February 1885, Dr Thoburn preached from Zechariah 4:6 – “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit saith the Lord” – with a simple, yet profound message on repentance and forgiveness. At the end of two weeks of services, many gave testimonies of new-found and renewed faith. Singapore’s first Methodist Church was formed soon after. William Fitzjames Oldham, who was the designated missionary, was appointed pastor.

Rev Dr James M Thoburn’s words below shed some light on how the church was first organised:

As I was obliged to leave at the close of the third week, we lost no time organizing a church. The number of conversions had not been large, but organization is a law of life and growth, and we lost no time in giving our new converts all the advantages which it confers. After stating our rules and conditions of membership, seventeen persons publicly cast in their lots with us, two of whom were at once admitted to full membership, having previously been connected with the

English Methodists, while the other fifteen were received on probation. A Quarterly Conference was organized, but from among our little band there seemed only three who were fitted to serve in the infant church.

Two days later we took passage on our return

to Calcutta, leaving our good Brother Oldham alone at his post. He occupied a most trying position. A small salary had been pledged for his support – a little over seven hundred dollars (equivalent to less than seventy Straits Dollars) – if I remember correctly – but Singapore is a very expensive town, and the financial outlook was anything but cheering. (pages 526-527)

1885 – William Fitzjames OldhamBorn in 1854 of Irish Roman Catholic parents in South India, William Oldham was nurtured in Christian schools. Like John Wesley, he knew that he had not the real life of the Spirit within. His

Bishop James Mills and Mrs Anne Thobur n

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Our heritage


Our heritage

conversion experience left him with “an unspeakable longing” to know his God. Barely 20 years old, Oldham answered God’s call into Christian vocation. In 1884, he returned to his birthplace, prepared to serve “at any post in all India”. But God had other plans. It did not dawn on him that God would send him 1,500 miles across the ocean to the remote and growing British settlement of Singapore! After sharing the same initial disappointment as her husband, young Mrs Marie Oldham stoically remarked, “If we are appointed to Singapore, to Singapore we will go.”

So with the formation of the one-man Official Board on 23 February 1885, William Oldham began the challenge of building up the infant church. In the following four years, William Oldham and his wife, Marie, expended all their energy and earnest prayers into this ministry. Through their toil, the hand of God accomplished much for His own glory.

In the early days, William Oldham went about to secure land to build premises to further the work of the Methodist Mission here. When told “there is not a square inch to spare”, God opened the way for Oldham to offer his services as a speaker at a local debating society for the educated Chinese

community; and later as a personal English tutor to certain prominent members of the association.

It not only fostered deep friendships, but proved useful to the Methodist work. By the end of 1885, with generous financial support from the Chinese community, land was thus obtained to erect a permanent church at Coleman Street, along with space for the Anglo-Chinese School and Oldham Hall. The English Church, as it was called, was dedicated on 15 December 1886. Over the next 15 years, the Sunday School grew to an enrolment of 100 children and formed the largest single church school in the Malayan Conference. There were two regular services on Sunday and the English Church became the centre of many Methodist activities.

Apart from preaching five times a week in English and Tamil, Oldham also taught between five and eight hours a day at the rapidly expanding school. He also served as superintendent of the Methodist Mission until ill health compelled him to return to America in 1889.

1889 – William Nesbitt BrewsterThe Rev William N Brewster was appointed to the English Church in 1889. He organised the first chapter of the Epworth League in December 1889, only after a few months after the League was formed in Cleveland, Ohio in May, 1889. However due to his difficulty in acclimatising to the region he was redirected to the Foochow Church Mission Station, China. But he helped the Mission by sending personnel to Singapore and a group of settlers to Sarawak.

1892 – J Grant (Exhorter) There is no known information about J Grant other than his role of being an exhorter. However, our research has revealed that there was provision for the function of an exhorter in the Methodist Episcopal Church, as found in the Doctrines and Discipline of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, 1858.

It suggests that any person wishing to exercise the functions of an exhorter may do so, provided he receives a licence from the Quarterly Conference of the circuit, station or mission to which he belongs.

The gift of exhortation is mentioned among the spiritual gifts listed in Romans 12:6-8:Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; if

Bishop William F and Mrs Marie Augusta Oldham

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Our heritageWesley Tidings ISSUE 2 | March-April 2015

troops of the army garrison, Rev Urch was deeply involved with in raising funds to establish the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Institute at Hill Street. However, labouring in the tropics proved too much for Rev Urch. He left Singapore on 9 May 1894 for America.

1895 – Fred H MorganRev Fred H Morgan arrived in Singapore from Maine, United States of America. Morgan was the missionary appointed to the English (later Wesley) Church and concurrently in charge of the Tamil church. He has been recorded as the longest incumbent at the English Church having served from 1895 to 1900. For some insight into Rev Fred H Morgan’s stewardship, here is an excerpt from the Seventy-Ninth Annual Report of the Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church for the Year 1897:

The following are reports of the work in its various branches: Singapore, English Church. This work, which is [under the] charge of F H Morgan, is prospering, and the statistics show an increase which, in view of the fact that our membership is continually reduced by removals, may be considered very satisfactory. Large congregations are the exception, but as three services are held every Sabbath, and each is well attended, a large constituency is reached …. This church is not English in the sense that the membership is

service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; or he who exhorts, in his exhortation . . . (NASB Rom12:6-8)

The word “exhortation” comes from the Greek word PARAKALEO which means to “appeal to, urge, exhort, or to encourage” someone to take a certain action. Exhortation is something that pastors, teachers and at times every Christian should do. Mr J Grant was most likely one such person who was assigned to the English Church to spur the congregation on to spread the Good News.

Meanwhile, the Coleman Street Church underwent a major renovation.

1893 – William Henry Budgett Urch William Henry Budgett Urch was born in Gloucestershire, England. With experience as a local preacher back in England, William H B Urch was appointed a Methodist minister in 1890 and became pastor of the Coleman Street Church (then known as the English Church) from 1893-1894. He was also a member of the Malaysia Mission Conference, 1893. The earliest mention of him being in Singapore was in a newspaper announcement that he would be speaking at the Christian Institute in Middle Road, to celebrate the anniversary of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union. Aside from being the chaplain to the Orange Lodge at the Anglo-Chinese School and to over a hundred Methodist

all European, but rather that its work is among English-speaking people. The services are attended by Chinese, Japanese, Tamils, and Siamese as well as Europeans and Eurasians.” (page 218)

1901 – Walter P RutledgeIn 1901, Rev Walter P Rutledge was transferred to the English Church at Coleman Street from the St Louis Conference, USA, as a deacon in his third year of studies. The Straits Times, 4 January 1901, reported that:

A large number of people met at the Deaconesses’ Home to welcome the newly arrived Pastor of the English Church of the Methodist Episcopal Mission, the Rev W P Rutledge and Mrs Rutledge, and Ms Sophia Blackmore of the W.F.M.S. It was quite a social event, and a very pleasant evening was spent, the party breaking up shortly after 10.00pm.

On 5 and 12 January 1901, it was further announced in The Straits Times that Rev Rutledge was to conduct the 7.00am, 5.00pm and 8.00pm services at the church. He was also appointed to the Malaysia Mission Conference and replaced Rev Fred H Morgan to head the Education and Public Morals Committees and the Deaconess Board. In addition, he was elected to the Auditing Committee at the Conference.

With the turn of the century, the then Bishop Frank W Warne led a Methodist revival called “The Spiritual Forward

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Our heritage

Movement” by setting up a committee, which Rev Rutledge was a member of. Together with co-workers from Taiping, Ipoh and Penang, the committee was to create interest in the movement in their respective towns.

In 1902, Welsbach gas burners replaced the old kerosene lamps that were used for lighting at Coleman Street Church. And in 1903, with the acquisition of a new organ, the congregation began to sing with greater confidence as they offered their voices and hearts to the Lord.

1904 – A J Amery It is unclear when Rev A J Amery was appointed to the English Church. However, records show that he joined the Malaysia Conference in 1895 and became a full member in 1897. At the 15th Session of the Malaysia Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 1907, Rev A J Amery was indicated as pastor of the English Church.

Little else is known about Rev A J Amery, except that he was the incumbent pastor when in early 1907, the Governor of Singapore offered unexpectedly a 38,000 square foot plot of land to the Methodist Mission, expressly for the erection of a new church. Though Rev Amery cautioned his congregation to count the cost of building and to make careful plans for it, he also called for Christian courage to do the daring for God’s glory. However, it did seem impossible for a small congregation to afford the high cost of building a new and larger building. Faith, work and sacrifice were needed of each church member, and

God seemed to point the way forward. Returning from a Sunday evening service, Mrs Amery directed Rev Amery’s attention to one of the hymns that had been sung, “Behold the Sure Foundation Stone” - “What though the gates of hell withstood, Yet must this building rise; ‘Tis Thy own work, Almighty God, And wondrous in our eyes.” Rev Amery was most encouraged, and acknowledging that it was God’s guidance, the decision was taken to proceed to build later the same year.

1907 – William Edward Horley & H B MansellWilliam Edward Horley was born in Bloxham, Banbury, England, on 5 June 1870. He arrived in Singapore at the age of 24, and for 18 months, was engaged

in mission and educational work in connection with the Methodist Episcopal Mission here. However, he was most closely identified with the

work done by the Mission up country. He founded the Anglo-Chinese School in Ipoh in 1895, and the Methodist Boys’ School in Kuala Lumpur where he was principal from 1901-1907. Being fluent in Chinese, he often preached in that language, while initiating English, Chinese and Tamil services in Ipoh. He went on to set up churches and branch schools in other parts of Malaysia. He got married in Singapore in 1901 to Miss Hocking, most probably a missionary worker serving in China. It is assumed that he might have spent some time

in Singapore after his tenure with the Methodist Boys’ School in Kuala Lumpur ended. His sudden death in 1931, at age 60, was a deep loss to the Mission here. His funeral service took place at Wesley Church, Fort Canning and was officiated by Rev Hobart B Amstutz.

Rev and Mrs H B Mansell’s arrival in Singapore was announced in the shipping columns of The Free Press, 30 December 1907. In 1909, Rev Mansell was admitted to full membership in the Malaysia Conference and continued into his fourth year of studies. At the 17th Session of the Malaysia Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 1909, it was reported that Rev H B Mansell, though still in theological training, relieved Rev Horley who had to take urgent medical leave.

1909 – George C CobbRev George C Cobb assumed pastorship of the English Church and chaplaincy of the troops in 1909. His role as pastor of the church and his duties at the Methodist Publishing House were taxing on his energies. Pastoral work had to go largely undone, but church services continued to be sustained, as the warm relationship between pastor and his congregation had been established. Pastoral changes and makeshift quarters notwithstanding, the church maintained its membership numbers.

At the end of 1908, the new church building and manse at Fort Canning Road were finally completed; but the dedication service did not take place until 4 February 1909 when Rev (now Bishop) William Oldham could be present for the

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Rev W E Horley

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service. The church was subsequently renamed Wesley Methodist Church on 7 January 1910. Membership stood at less than 100 persons during this time. Church membership fluctuated during these early years. It was marked by the transitoriness of its congregation, often due to the transferring out of whole regiments of military membership and the ill health of its clergy.

1911 – William Henry Budgett UrchDr William H B Urch returned to Singapore on 6 May 1911 to a warm welcome, as the newly appointed pastor of Wesley Church. Bishop William Oldham announced that Dr Urch had come from the First Church in Oklahoma City where the congregation numbered one thousand. It was a homecoming for Dr Urch, who pastored at the Coleman Street Church some 17 years before. Back in the saddle, he was soon appointed as officiating clergyman to the Methodist and Baptist troops of the garrison, and served on the committee of the Children’s Aid Society, investigating cases of destitute children so as to help them. He also visited India and drew many young Indians to church services by using interesting illustrations in his sermons. Wesley had an eloquent speaker in Dr Urch, but had to grant him leave when he was ill. He withdrew from ministry of the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1914.

1914 – Leonard OechsliRev Leonard Leonard Oechsli was born on 5 June 1885. He was admitted to full membership and joined the Malaysia Conference in 1914 after having

completed his Studies of the Fourth Year. He was subsequently appointed to the chaplaincy at Wesley Church as well as the troops in Singapore. District Superintendent, W T Cherry, reported the following of Wesley Church at the 1914 Malaysia Annual Conference:

Wesley Church after being supplied for four months, received in Bro. and Sister Oechsli just the kind of leaders we wanted. The church suffered heavily by removals, including several official members, amongst the latter being Mr H Rickard, for years a mainstay in the chaplaincy work. The present garrison in Singapore has a strong Wesleyan contingent under our pastoral care. The attempt of a lunatic to burn the church happily failed. The church has a debt of over $5,800 which it has not yet been able to reduce, its current expenses absorbing its entire resources. Allowing for its handicaps, it has had a good year. (pages 46-47)

After about three years as Wesley Church’s pastor, Rev Oechsli was transferred to Medan, Indonesia, to minister to the Chinese community there. He died on 15 April 1955.

1917 – T C MaxwellThe Singapore Free Press, 24 June 1916, reported:

The Reverend Leonard Oechsli, well known as the pastor of Wesley Church for the past three years, has been transferred to Medan, Sumatra, where he enters Chinese work, and his place in Wesley Church has been taken by the Rev T C Maxwell, formerly pastor of the Methodist Church in Kuala Lumpur. Mr Maxwell has been in similar work in the United States until called to his present appointment. He will preach at the 5.30pm service on Sunday next, when no doubt some of his old friends, as well as many to whom his is yet a stranger, will be present to hear him.”

During his time in Singapore, Rev T C Maxwell was Secretary at the 1918 Malaysia Annual Conference. On 31 December 1916, Rev Maxwell preached a sermon titled “Divine Service” at the 9.00am and 5.30pm services at Wesley Church. There was also a Watchnight Service held at 11.15pm that night, with a collection for the British Foreign Bible Society. Rev Maxwell resigned in 1918. Rev A J Amery & W T Cherry then helped to conduct Sunday services and administered the overall running of the church.

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Rev Leonard Oechsli & Family at Wesley 1914

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Giving Heritage A New LookIntroducing The Old/New Wesley Logo

spotlight

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Giving Heritage A New LookIntroducing The Old/New Wesley Logo

What’s New?At last weekend's celebration of the completion of our Acts 2 Church campaign, the Wesley church family was challenged to write Acts 29, the unfolding story of Wesley becoming a church for the world. It was at this time that we launched a new corporate identity in the form of a refreshed logo for Wesley Methodist Church. We like to call it the “old/new” logo as it has continuity with Wesley’s rich spiritual history, yet it gives heritage a new look.

Why Change?We have outgrown our three-decade-old logo. A lot has changed in 30 years - one generation has passed, expectations are different and usage of the logo has expanded.

Apart from practical reasons, as symbols herald their associated meanings, so a refreshed logo also spurs us as a community on to a new season of growth and change in Christ.

What’s The Meaning?DOVE• Traditional Christian symbol for the Holy Spirit• Descending dove and the tongues of red fire on its wing spreading out like wildfire signify

passion, movement and outreach• Bright red colour not only represents fire, but also the blood of Christ• The smaller orange flame is a graphical representation of the “strangely warmed” experience

that fueled the Methodist movement. In our modern context, it represents the glowing embers in our spirits that birth spiritual passion and vitality.

CROSS• Most prominent element of the logo – central and foreground positioning represents the

centrality of Jesus Christ• Borderless outline – the Cross permeates and overflows into the spaces without, symbolising

the outflowing of the church into the world and the sending of witnesses for Jesus into the harvest field.

NAMESTYLE• The font used is ‘Avant Garde’• Modern and contemporary feel, representing vitality and progressiveness


perspectives

I first really understood the term ‘invisible people’ when I was on a business trip to New York. One night my

colleagues and I dined at a fine restaurant. While two of my colleagues in swanky suits were talking outside the restaurant, suddenly out of nowhere, a homeless man went up to them and asked for alms. He stood between them for a long time but they continued talking as if he was not there. They did not seem to see him – he was invisible.

The Bible tells us that we may have eyes that do not see (Mk 4:12, Jer 5:21). And indeed, I later learnt that many New Yorkers try to ’not see’ the homeless for fear of being badgered for money. Invisible people are thus those we see but deliberately try not to take notice of, perhaps sometimes to the point where we really don’t see them.

Closer to home, there are many such invisible persons in society – people we see but don’t see. They are often the poor, the disfranchised, the unpopular, those at the fringes. I would like to highlight three such groups of people.

Persons with jobs we value lessIn many societies, there are some jobs that seem undervalued. It could be menial work such as plumbing, garbage collecting or even services such as waiting at tables. And unfortunately, we tend to undervalue the people who do these jobs and they have become invisible to us.

Near my home is a hawker centre where there are a number of elderly workers who put away dishes and cutlery. It pains me to observe that almost nobody looks at them, what more thank them. Sometimes I forget too and I remind myself that they could well be my parents or grandparents. There was also a time when I took the services of these cleaners for granted, till I realise that they too yearn for the same dignity and respect that we all desire, that makes work enjoyable or at least tolerable. One of the habits I’ve tried to instil in my children is to bring their own trays to the tray station and thank the cleaners. Often they are rewarded with wonderful smiles and gracious words that brighten up our day.

One of the most humbling jobs I had was that of a part-time janitor for about three years. My main task was to clean the toilets in meeting areas. I disliked it thoroughly but I had to do it well. What was interesting was how I was treated. Some people treated me no different than they would an office worker – some of the conversations we had were inspiring. Others treated me very poorly or did not even acknowledge my existence. It made me understand how a person might feel after being constantly rejected and excluded in life. Eventually, he or she may be consumed by a feeling of worthlessness.

It could be why the woman at the well responded in surprise when Jesus spoke to her. She seemed to be saying, “Why would you, someone of status speak to me, a lowly person?” From time to time when I do try to connect with a cleaner or a domestic worker, I get that same surprised “why-would-you-spend-time-with-me” look. It often reminded me of my days as a janitor when I was constantly told that I was of less value than everyone else.

Migrant workersThere are many migrant workers where I live, where I work and where I worship. They are everywhere but we have perhaps taken them for granted, especially those in jobs which are considered lowly and of less value.

A number of years ago I reminded myself to at least smile at them and more recently, I have tried to befriend those working at our church. I have come to believe that God does not randomly choose just any person from another country to come to serve in a church. Where we see only menial workers, I think in His eyes, He sees a plan. Unfortunately, sometimes we don’t see it and miss out on an opportunity to witness given by Him.

A few years ago, I befriended a cleaner from Nepal at church. One Sunday, I asked his colleague where he was and was told that he was preparing to go back to Nepal. It suddenly dawned on me that it was possible for someone to come to Singapore to work in a church for two years as a cleaner and ironically not feel the love of God from His people.

Invisible People

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I had always wanted to give him a Bible but had put it off. I then realised I had one last chance. The BookNook (Wesley Church Bookshop) was closed so I ran up to the hall used by the Children’s Ministry (which I served in), and looked through a heap of lost and found Bibles. I found one in good condition and entrusted his colleague to give it to him before he left.

I often wonder what he felt about his experience here – of being in the midst of more than 5,000 Christians every Sunday for over two years. What would he? Did our behaviour and actions inspire him to know more and tell others about Jesus or would he tell people not to bother? This is certainly something we should think about.

People on the fringe Years ago I was briefly involved in a Catholic ministry which reached out to street children and prostitutes. On one of our nights on the streets, a transgender person came up and spoke to us. She was in an evening dress, heavily made-up, and had a deep manly voice. I was taken aback by what I saw and heard and I admit, shamefully, that I had avoided talking to her.

However, the priest with us, Father John, spoke to her as if he was speaking to a good friend or close neighbour and she poured out her heart to him. This experience was pivotal in helping me understand what Jesus meant by “love thy neighbour”. While I was visibly afraid, this priest only had warmth in his voice. And she opened up her life to him because he had graciously accepted her as a person. Grace and acceptance – was this how Jesus found His way into a tax collector’s house? Was this why His brief encounter with the Samaritan prostitute inspired her to spread the Good News?

As I grow older, I realise there are a few simple indicators which measure the health of my faith, one of which is how I treat my less visible neighbours. It reveals a lot

about my inner self and the real state of my faith (Matt 23:26). Unfortunately, my faith as measured by this indicator does not seem to be doing well. I am always surprised and truly ashamed when I sometimes treat differently those whom I perceive to have less knowledge, wealth and status than me.

As a last thought, I would like to share my realisation that it doesn’t take much for us to become ‘invisible’ (if we are not already so). An illness, an accident, the loss of a job, a mistake – anything that robs us of our status, wealth, health, friends – can throw us into the ranks of those who struggle with acceptance and are less popular in our society. And if that happens, we will meet some people who are gracious and kind, and others who are not.

My hope is, because we are Christians, followers of Christ, we would strive to be gracious and kind to the invisible people amongst us whom our society chooses not to see.

Stephen Yong


Our heritage

pastor of the Central Methodist Church in Manila, Philippines from 1912-1915. He also served as a chaplain in the US Army, American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) in World War I.

After five years as Associate Secretary of the Board of Foreign Missions of the Methodist Episcopal Church, New York City, Rev Edwin Lee was sent overseas again in 1924, as the Pastor of the Wesley Church of Singapore, Straits Settlements and as the Superintendent of the Singapore District of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Until shortly before the fall of Singapore, Bishop Lee worked hard to build up the Methodist Church, to establish school and to encourage co-operation between the races and the churches.

In 1928, he was elected as Missionary Bishop at the Episcopal General Conference. He was assigned to the Manila Episcopal Area of the Philippine Islands Central Conference – the Manila Area included Malaya and the Philippines. During his term, Bishop Lee spent half his time in Malaya and half in the Philippines. He gave a great deal of attention to the building of churches and parsonages. Nearly all the Methodist churches in Singapore and many in Malaya were built during his term as Bishop.

After much work of re-organising the Methodist Church work in Manila, The Straits Times, (April 1946), reported that Bishop Edwin Lee and his wife had returned to Singapore to give more attention to the Methodist Mission work in Malaya, especially the schools.

1920 – C E Holman

We believe that Rev C E Holman’s pastoral appointment to Wesley Methodist Church on 28 August 1919 was a prelude to his formal appointment that was only noted at the Malaysia Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1921. He was also appointed to the Jean Hamilton Training School at the same Conference. Apart from preaching regularly, Rev Holman presided over the church’s mid-week prayer meetings, which were held on Tuesday evenings.

1923 – James H LewinBorn in Bedfordshire, England, in 1864, Rev James H Lewin and his wife arrived in Singapore to take up his appointment as pastor of Wesley Church in July 1922. He brought with him extensive experience in Christian ministry, having spent 31 years in Australia and being instrumental in establishing 15 churches there. His affable nature and gift of friendship endeared him to the congregation at Wesley Church. He immersed wholeheartedly into extending the church with a social hall. He was also an effective educator at the Jean Hamilton Theological School (now

Trinity Theological College), engaging his students with his experience and fervour. He spent a week in Seremban, Malaysia, conducting meetings and special interviews with boys of the local school. Unfortunately, his failing health prevented him from serving a full term. A large crowd gathered at the docks to bid their “faithful pastor, loyal friend and Christian gentleman” a final farewell. His health deteriorated while enroute to California; and he died of heart failure on 11 April 1924 in Hong Kong.

1925 – Edwin Ferdinand LeeEdwin Ferdinand Lee was born in Eldorado, Iowa, USA on 10 July 1884. He began his missionary work in Southeast Asia in 1910, serving in Batavia, Java. He was pastor of the Wesley Church in Kuala Lumpur, Malaya from 1910-1912 and

Bishop and Mrs Edwin Ferdinand Lee

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Rev and Mrs Holman – photo courtesy of W S Reinhoehl

James H Lewin

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Of the Wesley congregation, its harmonious mixture of different people made it a ‘real family church’ during the late 1920s and 30s. Dr Edwin F Lee was pastor in 1924 and later Rev Hobart B Amstutz took over. The influence of these two warm ministers (both of whom were to become Bishops), no doubt contributed much toward the warmth and friendly atmosphere prevalent in Wesley at that time. (page 22)

In the Minutes of the 36th Session Malaya Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, December 1927, the following was reported by District Superintendant, Rev Edwin F Lee:

Wesley Church continues to be a cosmopolitan centre. Perhaps more than any other congregation this church serves a passing throng. In America it would be called down-town church. A year ago when there was an election of officers for the Epworth League the pastor noted that 34 young people were voting and that they represented ten racial and national groups. The Communion Service always illustrates the universality of the Christian Faith. It is believed that Wesley Church is filling a real need for a free church* in Singapore. The assignment of Rev Hobart B Amstutz as one of the ministers of this congregation last year has proven to have been a very wise plan. He has rendered service of a high order. The Ministry of Music is being finely

After serving as Bishop in Malaya and the Philippines for 20 years, Bishop Lee retired and returned to the USA. in February 1948. Unfortunately he took ill in June, and died on 14 September. The news of his death came as a great shock to friends and fellow workers. Tributes from the Methodist Mission, within and without, and the schools Bishop Lee helped to establish; calling him a “man of remarkable energy and vitality”; “a man of ability and reliability” and ”a man with a great and approachable personality”.

1927 – Edwin Ferdinand Lee and Hobart Baumann Amstutz (Associate)

1929 – Hobart Baumann Amstutz Rev Hobart Baumann Amstutz was born in Henrietta, Ohio on 18 September 1896. He began his missionary stint in South East Asia in 1926. He was a pastor of Wesley Methodist Church for many years.

According to our research, Rev Edwin F.Lee was appointed Pastor and Rev Hobart B. Amstutz, (Associate), to Wesley Church at the 36th Session Malaya Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, December 1927. (page 271)

The congregation at Wesley Church was blessed by these two capable pastors until Rev Edwin Lee was elected Bishop to Malaya and the Philippines in 1928. Rev Amstutz assumed the role as the church’s main pastor in 1929.

An excerpt from Lana Wong’s book, ‘By My Spirit’, says:

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demonstrated by the work of Miss Sylvia Barnes as Organist and Senior Choir Director. The Sunday morning congregation comfortably fills the church. Sunday evening almost an entirely different group of people are present. These congregations have also held a steady attendance. The Sunday School has been steadily growing for the last two years and now averages 200. The new Wesley Church Hall has made possible a much enlarged programme for various activities and without question will make possible in the years to come a much greater contribution to the life in Singapore. (pages 285-286)

An excerpt from the 1929 Malaya Conference by District Superintendent, F H Sullivan, revealed that:

Mr & Mrs Amstutz have fitted very well into this cosmopolitan community and have been rapidly expanding their work and stand high in the affection of their congregation. The Sunday School is large, well-staffed and carefully graded; the Epworth League well cared for by Miss Buel and her cabinet; the Tuesday evening addresses well prepared; the Ladies’ Aid Society well organized (they paid in over a thousand dollars on the church hall debt in 1928). The monthly budget of $700 dollars is a very heavy burden for so small a congregation, but the prospects are brighter for next year. (page 52)

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*A ‘free church’ is a pattern that evolved in the Americas. It is a Christian denomination that is intrinsically separated from government (as opposed to a theocracy, or an “established” or state church). A free church does not define government policy, nor have governments define church policy or theology, nor seeks or receives government endorsement or funding for its general mission.


Our heritage

1932 – Abel EklundThe Straits Times, 25 June 1932, announced that Rev Abel Eklund was to preach at the Straits Chinese Methodist Church at 6.00pm, English service. His sermon title was “The Conduct of a Christian”.

During the weekend of 29 July 1932, delegates from the Epworth League Malacca, Seremban and Singapore met for a Biennial Convention in Singapore. A concert was held at Wesley Church and Rev Eklund conducted devotions for the morning of Monday, 1 August 1932.

Rev Abel Eklund presided at Paya Lebar Methodist Church’s inauguration service in a shophouse chapel at 166D Upper Serangoon Road in 1932. The church was established with the transfer of a few members from Wesley Methodist Church, and the Straits Chinese Churches.

At the 1933 Malaya Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, District Superintendant for the Singapore District, Rev Abel Eklund, shared this report of Wesley Church:

The past year has been a very busy, and a very happy one. After five years in Singapore, mainly in Wesley Church, Mr and Mrs Amstutz went on furlough last January, and the work of Wesley Church and the chaplaincy was added to our other duties. We have counted it a privilege to work in this church, and we look upon this field as one –of great possibilities. Our time has been very limited, but our faithful co-workers have greatly assisted us. Many duties have been cared for by them. (page 46)

1933 – Raymond LeRoy Archer and Burr Hastings Baughman Rev Archer was pastor of the Huston-Meadowlands Circuit from 1907 to 1908, and of the West Holmstead Methodist Church from 1908 to 1911.

In 1909, he was received on-trial by the Pittsburgh Annual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church; and in October 1911, he was received into full connection and ordained Elder. He then entered missionary service, transferring his conference membership to the Malaya Annual Conference and was appointed to Buitenzorg, Java, from 1911 to 1923. In 1924, he transferred to the Sumatra Mission Conference, serving as Superintendent of the Sumatra Mission till 1929.

In 1930, he returned to the USA. and was appointed pastor of the Hockenam Methodist Church in East Hartford, Connecticut, in the Southern New England Annual Conference. But in 1933, he transferred back to the Malaya Conference and was pastor of Wesley Methodist Church in Singapore till 1934. He was also the Superintendent of the Singapore District, as well as the Superintendent and Treasurer of the Mission from 1933 to 1942.

In 1943, he became the Assistant Treasurer of the Division of Foreign Missions for The Methodist Church. Then he was Associate Secretary for Foreign Missions from 1946 to 1950 and was also elected to the Episcopacy of The Methodist Church by the Southeastern Asia Central Conference in 1950. He was assigned the Singapore Episcopal Area. He died on 3 July 1970 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

From 1932 to 1942, Rev Baughman taught in various Methodist boys schools in Penang and Singapore and also preached in local churches on Sundays. In 1933, he was appointed to the Wesley Church at the Malaya Conference.

He also worked with the Methodist mission to the Senoi, a tribe that lives in the central part of the Malaya Peninsula. He was also one of the missionary pastors who elected to stay on when the Japanese occupied Singapore. Between 1942 and 1945, he was interned by the Japanese. After his release, Rev Baughman

continued to work with the Senoi mission until 1948. In 1946, he married Giam Tek Lin.

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Bishop and Mrs Raymond LeRoy Archer (1950-1956)

Bishop Raymond LeRoy Archer

Rev Burr H Baughman

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1934 – Hobart B Amstutz and Waldo S Reinoehl (Associate)By this time, it appeared that Wesley Church had grown large enough to be assigned more than one pastor. Rev Hobart Amstutz was pastor at Wesley Church (now called Wesley Methodist Episcopal Church), with Rev Waldo Reinoehl as associate pastor. They shared their preaching duties, with Rev Reinoehl preaching at the morning service and Rev Amstutz at the evening worship service.

District Superintendent, Raymond Archer, in his report at the 1938 Malaya Annual Conference said this of Wesley Church:

Wesley Church under the leadership of Rev H B Amstutz has enjoyed a year of increasing usefulness. Since this church represents the first Methodist Congregation to be organized in Malaya it may well be regarded as the Mother Church of Malayan Methodism. Having that idea in mind the pastor and his official board have done much during the year to beautify the interior of the church building so as to create a dignified sanctuary, suggestive of reverence and conducive to worship and thereby set a standard which we trust may be followed by other churches in our conference. The new lights, the new pulpit and choir furniture and the new floor tiles have all been provided with this idea in mind. The installation of the Hammond Electric Organ, the first of its kind in Malaya, has also added very greatly to the value of the church services. The influence of Wesley Church has reached even wider circles this year

through the facilities of the British Malaya Broadcasting Company by which one Sunday evening service each month is put on the air. Reports from various quarters indicate that these broadcasts are much appreciated. The total cost of re-roofing the church, painting and renovating Wesley Hall, new furniture and the new organ have cost the church over $7,OOO of which more than $4,000 have been paid by the congregation and friends of the church. In view of the pastor’s ill health during the year, and the increasing demands of the chaplaincy on his time, he deserves much credit for what has been accomplished this year under his direction. Mr and Mrs Amstutz with their son Bruce will soon go on leave again having completed their second term of service in Malaya....Mention should be made of the fact that Mr Amstutz has served as pastor of Wesley Church for a longer period than any of his predecessors since the founding of the church. (pages 36-37)

Wesley Methodist Church celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1935 with Rev William Oldham and his wife as guests of honour.

1938 – Waldo S Reinoehl and W H Myers (Associate)Rev W H Myers arrived in July 1938 to serve as associate pastor at Wesley Church. Both he and his wife took hold of their work with great missionary spirit. But Rev Myer’s ill health cut short his work in Singapore and they left for the States in November. Despite the setback of having a depleted staff of mission workers, District Superintendent Raymond Archer was positive in his report at the 1939 Malaya Annual Conference:

After Rev Amstutz and family sailed for home Rev and Mrs Reinoehl were appointed to Wesley Church, in addition to his work as a teacher on the staff of the Anglo-Chinese High School. In spite of the double load and lack of time to do adequate church work they have had a very successful year. Every department of the church has registered increases. Their benevolent giving is well over the $1.35 per member goal. They have also met a large church budget during the year which included the payment of the sum of $3,300 on the organ and renovation fund.

Through the co-operation of the B.M.B.C. the ministry of Wesley Church has reached not only all parts of Malaya, but has touched many points beyond the seas. The monthly broadcasts have proven very worthwhile and we trust that they will be continued. We believe that this, the mother church of Malayan

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Bishop William Oldham

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Methodism, is destined to play a role of increasing importance in the religious and moral life of our city. (page 52)

1939 – Hobart Baumann Amstutz and Herbert F KuehnSince Rev Amstutz began his missionary career, he has been pastor at Wesley Church on two other occasions, in 1929 and 1934.

It is believed that after a time of furlough, Rev Amstutz returned, to be appointed once again, Pastor of Wesley Church at the 1939 Malaya Annual Conference. Rev Herbert F Kuehn was appointed District Missionary at the same conference, in addition to his pastoral appointment to Wesley Church.

1940 – Hobart Baumann Amstutz and Tyler Thompson (Associate)As previously mentioned, Rev Amstutz ably pastored the congregation at Wesley Methodist Church together with Rev Tyler Thompson. It had become a relatively strong church, but its stability was about to be tested in a real and fiery way.

Membership at Wesley in 1940 stood at 227, but increased by 20 percent in the following year. This unprecedented growth was probably due to the influx of various military services onto the island in the light of preparations against a Japanese invasion.

Two challenging questions led to the founding of the first Methodist Mission and Church in Singapore – “What can we do for Singapore?” and “Who shall we send to Singapore?” God answered those questions with men and women of fervent faith and determination. And so it is “By my Spirit, saith the Lord” that Wesley Methodist Church stands today, on a hill, serving its purpose as a beacon of faith, endurance and perseverance.

In two following instalments in TIDINGS, we will trace the paths of local pastors, each making their own unique contribution to the growth of the church.

Information Sources: a) India and Malaysia by Bishop J. M. Thoburn, Thirty-

three Years a Missionary in Indiab) By My Spirit by Lana Wongc) Forever Beginning, 100 Years of Methodism in

Singapore, compiled & edited by Theodore R. Doraisamy

d) Seventy-Ninth Annual Report of the missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church for the Year 1897, page 218

e) Malaysia Annual Conference 1914, pages 46-47 f) Minutes of the 36th Session, Malaya Conference of the

Methodist Episcopal Church, December 1927, pages 285-286

g) Minutes of the Malaya Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, January 1929, page 52

h) Minutes of the Malaya Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, January 1933, page 46

i) Minutes of the 46th Session, Malaya Annual Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church, January 1938, pages 36-37

j) Minutes of the 47th Session, Malaya Annual Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church, January 1939, page 52

Rev Amstutz and Rev Thompson continued to serve at Wesley Methodist Episcopal Church till the war in the Pacific broke. On 8 February 1942, Rev Thompson was preaching at what was to be the last pre-war service in Wesley when 30,000 Japanese troops made preparations to land on Singapore’s shores. When bombs fell not far away on that morning of the last service, the pastor stopped mid-sermon and the congregation relocated in an orderly manner to the Hall where service resumed without so much as a skip of a beat. The Australian forces took over Wesley premises during this week of conflict. But surrender came on 15 February 1942, after which Wesley Church was used as an ammunition depot for the period of the Japanese Occupation.

Rev Amstutz and Rev Thompson were imprisoned by the Japanese and spent three and a half years at the Sime Road internment camp. For a while, after Singapore’s fall, Wesley members tried to meet in one another’s homes. But most gave up as not only were they fearful of venturing outdoors, but transport had

also become a problem. Instead, they dispersed to other nearer congregations, like the Tamil Methodist Church where Rev Thevathasan was pastor, for the duration of the war.

Bishop and Mrs Hobart B Amstutz (1956-1964)

Rev Hebert F Kuehn

Dr H B Amstutz and Rev Tyler Thompson outside their hut cum religious library at Sime Road Camp

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Our heritage

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Wesley Tidings is published bi-monthly by Wesley Methodist Church, Singapore for internal circulation to members of the Church | Views expressed in the Wesley Tidings are the contributors’ and do not necessarily reflect that of the Church or the Editorial Board. | Materials in the Wesley Tidings may be reproduced with permission from Wesley Methodist Church or the authors. | Unless stated otherwise, all scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Contributions and enquiries are to be addressed to: The Editor, Wesley Tidings, 5 Fort Canning Road, Singapore 179493

The Editor reserves the right to make changes to the contributions if necessary.

Printed by Craft Print International Ltd

Pastor-In-ChargeRev Dr Kow Shih Ming

EditorPeggie Chan

Editorial TeamJulie EeKevyn LaiCatherine LimOng Joo HiangTan Kee CheongTham Soo Hian

ContributorsRev Dr Kow Shih Ming, Dr Leow Theng Huat, Lyn Sayers and Stephen Yong.

Photo ContributorsJohnny Koh and Ho Tzin Yih.

T I D I N G SThe Magazine of Wesley Methodist Church, Singapore

Wesley Tidings is also available at www.wesleymc.org

transitions

Marriages

Mr Yang Chi Sern and Miss Deborah Ng Sui Ling

Mr Kenneth Ngan Choon Meng and Miss Huang Yan Ru Evon

FEBRUARY 2015 28 Mr Nigel Wong Kim Mun and Miss Sue Si Jia Sheradine

28 Mr Kenneth Ngan Choon Meng and Miss Huang Yan Ru Evon

MARCH 2015 07 Mr Tay Yiming and Dr Teh Hui Jun Gillian

07 Mr Lim Yong Shen Andrew and Miss Seow Jia Xian 14 Mr Lim Jia Ming and Miss Wong Li Jin Michelle

21 Mr Chong Ling-Hui Samuel and Miss Gooi Ling Huey21 Mr Ezekiel Kok Yew Pan and Miss Salas Mynelle Roxas

21 Mr Lam Chun Jack and Miss Ng Hui Ling 28 Mr Chew You-Jing Nicholas and Dr Wong Li Ping Michelle

28 Mr Yang Chi Sern and Miss Deborah Ng Sui Ling28 Mr Jin Jing and Miss Tay Hui Ling Sharon

CONDOLENCESto the family & loved ones of those

who were called home.

Deaths

FEBRUARY 2015 05 Mdm Lim Sian Heng

06 Mdm Chia Chiew Neo12 Mr Lai Poh Cheong

13 Mdm Sim Yau Chung13 Mr Ee Lai Huat

14 Mdm Suzanne Chin-Leo Woon Tim14 Mr Tay Kim Chai

28 Mdm Chiang Siew Ngan

MARCH 2015 01 Mr Koh Khek Cheow 08 Mr Wee Teow Kee

15 Mdm Nancy Leow Ai Hoang16 Mdm Foo Jok Weng

20 Mr Koh San Chor21 Mr Tommy Tay Kheng Seng

22 Mrs Loh Au-Yeung Grace Ying Ying23 Mr Jimmy Cheok Soo Beng

24 Mr Kenneth Chua Kok Liang26 Mdm Tan Im Neo

Our heritage

Mr Lim Jia Ming and Miss Michelle Wong Li Jin

Mr Tay Yiming and Dr Teh Hui Jun Gillian

Mr Lam Chun Jack and Miss Ng Hui Ling


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Wesley Tidings Newsletter Issue 02 2015

Documents

Transcript of Wesley Tidings Newsletter Issue 02 2015