St Andrew's Cathedral

"Saint Andrew's Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral located near City Hall in Singapore's bustling downtown core. As the cathedral church of the Anglican Diocese of Singapore, it serves as the mother church to 27 parishes and more than 55 congregations. This historical site has been significant since its establishment on the current location in 1836, although the existing building was completed between 1856 and 1861. The cathedral’s logo features the St Andrew's Cross, reflecting its dedication to the patron saint of Scotland, in honor of the Scottish community that contributed to its construction. The cathedral celebrated a milestone in 2006, marking the 150th anniversary of the St Andrew's Church Mission, which began in the same year as its construction. Following over two years of restorative work, the Cathedral Nave was reopened and dedicated by Bishop Titus Chung on December 24, 2023. Originally, Sir Stamford Raffles allocated a piece of land between Hill Street and North Bridge Road for an Anglican church in his Town Plan of 1822. However, construction only began after the community raised funds in 1834. The first Saint Andrew's Church was designed by George Drumgoole Coleman in a neo-classical style, with the foundation stone laid on November 9, 1835. The church opened its doors for its first service on June 18, 1837, led by Reverend Edmund White, and was consecrated on September 10, 1838. In response to criticism that the church's design resembled that of a town hall rather than a place of worship, a spire was added in 1842. Unfortunately, this spire was struck by lightning twice, resulting in the church being deemed unsafe and ultimately demolished in 1855. The construction of the second church began under the supervision of William Butterworth, the Governor of the Straits Settlements, with Colonel Ronald MacPherson designing the new building in a Gothic Revival style. Although initially intended to have a taller spire, the foundation's limitations necessitated a lighter design. The foundation stone was laid on March 4, 1856, and the completed church held its first service on October 1, 1861, followed by its consecration on January 25, 1862. In 1869, the church transitioned from the Diocese of Calcutta to the Diocese of Labuan and Sarawak, and in 1870, it was consecrated as the Cathedral Church of the United Diocese. The original Revere Bell, donated by Mrs. Maria Revere Balestier in 1843, was replaced by a chime of bells in 1889. The Revere Bell is now displayed at the National Museum of Singapore. During World War II, the cathedral served as an emergency hospital, and a Memorial Hall was added in 1952 to honor those who perished in the war. The north and south transepts were originally designed as carriage porches but were later extended to provide additional meeting spaces and offices. On June 28, 1973, Saint Andrew's Cathedral was gazetted as a national monument. A significant extension project commenced in 2003, which included an archaeological excavation before construction began. The Cathedral New Sanctuary, largely built underground to preserve the historical site, was completed in November 2005, adding two new levels of worship space. Architecturally, the cathedral is designed in the Neo-Gothic style, with elements inspired by Netley Abbey, a thirteenth-century church in England. The nave's piers closely resemble those at Netley, showcasing the architectural lineage. The cathedral features three notable stained glass windows at the apse, dedicated to significant figures in Singapore's colonial history: Sir Stamford Raffles, John Crawfurd, and Major General William Butterworth. While the original windows were damaged during World War II, their legacy remains an essential part of the cathedral's narrative. Saint Andrew's Cathedral not only represents the historical and cultural fabric of Singapore but also embodies the ongoing legacy of the Anglican Communion and its connections to the global Christian community."