User:Pneumatikos/The Church in Singapore

The Church in Singapore started meeting in Singapore in 1935 at Bras Basah Road.

History
The congregation traces it's beginning to 3 individuals from the Brethren who started to meet in Bras Basah Road in 1935. They were Brother Wong, Teo and Tay. This initial meeting place was at the home of Bro Wong. It was held on the 3rd level of the building while the rest of the premises comprises of the Wong's Dressmaking business and living area.

There were frequent changes to the meeting place until the congregation's meeting place moved to a permanent venue in Wilkie Road in around 1936 or 1937. This was to continue until after the end of World War II.

Located in nearby Wilkie Terrace was a Japanese Shrine. When the Japanese Occupation of Singapore ended after the war, this Shrine was gazetted as "Enemy Property". The church requested the local authority for permission to acquire that property. It was later granted for use at a rent of $1 per month.

With this approval, the property was rebuilt to accommodate a seating of 500 people.

In 1962, the church leadership announced a change in doctrinal understanding and acceptance. About 30 individuals who did not agree with the change left the congregation who was meeting in Wilkie Terrace.

This group started meeting and breaking of bread in the home of Tang Kwang Hock (Chinese:董光福). Not long after, they bought a property in 1 Derbyshire Road and began to meet there till this day.