ORPC HISTORY

Rev. Fraser

26 October

Our first service was conducted by Rev Thomas McKenzie Fraser at the London Missionary Society’s chapel, which was located at the junction of North Bridge Road and Bras Basah Road.

ORPC church building

6 May 1865

ORPC was granted the land where the church currently stands.

1 August 1877

The foundation stone of the church was laid.

November 1878

Church services were moved to the new church building.

During the Japanese Occupation, most members who were European expatriates had left due to the war or were prisoners-of-war (including our minister, Rev RM Greer). The church was looted in the initial days of the British surrender. During the occupation, services were halted and the church building was used as an issuing store for Japanese civilians.

ORPC in the 50s

30 August

Sunday School re-opened with two children.

ORPC’s mandarin congregation’s first service

14 April

The first Mandarin service was held at ORPC on Easter Sunday.

12 April

ORPC left the London North Presbytery and joined the Synod of the Presbyterian Church in Singapore and Malaysia.

18 April

The Mandarin congregation officially joined ORPC.

1 October

For the first time, women were ordained as elders in ORPC. Our first two women elders were Elder Rhoda Harriet Bradshaw and Elder Jane Standifer Thomas.

Dedication service held in 1975

2 February

After an extensive widening and modernisation of the church was done for the past year, a dedication service was held for the modernised church building.

First Indonesian service held in 1976

9 May

The first Indonesian service was held at ORPC.

14 June

The German Congregation (German-speaking Protestant Congregation in Singapore) began holding services in ORPC.

6 May

The first baptism group at Ghim Moh Preaching Station, with baptism conducted by Rev. F. Delius.

Inaugural service of Ghim Moh Preaching Station was held.

The new chapel

A major addition and alteration project was undertaken to transform the Sunday School Hall (1953) and offices into a chapel to seat 120 persons, and construct the Dunman Building.

Fundraiser walkathon for BBPC in early 80s

1 January

The Mandarin congregation became independent and is now known as Providence Presbyterian Church.

2 July

Bukit Batok Presbyterian Church (ORPC’s daughter church) held its inaugural service.

21 July

Bukit Batok Presbyterian Church held its inaugural service as an independent member church of the English Presbytery.

ORPC embarked on a 5-year plan to become a Disciple-Making Church, to know Christ and to make Him known.