Even as the year comes to a close, it’s not too late to visit the Centenary exhibition of the Singapore Anglican Diocese at the St Andrew’s Cathedral Welcome Centre. Titled “His Glory, His Name, His Honour”, the FREE exhibition features the history of how the Anglican movement in Singapore progressed from being subsumed under the Indian order to become an independent Diocese with 26 churches and 6 overseas deaneries all over Southeast Asia.
Among the most interesting exhibits are the Charters signed by Queen Victoria, the historical timeline of Anglican movement in Singapore and the historical artefacts they found in an archaeological dig before they built the St Andrew’s Cathedral Welcome Centre and the basement annex. It was really fascinating to think of how Christianity was brought to this part of the world by the guns and diplomacy of the British colonialists. In any case, I am pretty sure along the way there were more than a few kind hearted missionaries (as compared to the shrewd British businessmen and politicians) who didn’t mixed their religion with politics.
Most inspiring was the simple but elegant portrayal of the selfless missionary work done by the Anglicans in the past 100 years, including setting up schools, orphanages, hospitals and hospices. Although they continue to serve society today alongside sectarian establishments, but one can only wonder the importance of their work during the pre-independence where such social services were lacking. I will let the pictures do the talking.
Hey nice photos paul and like u i think christians have a social role to play to reach out to the less fortunate. Merry Xmas.
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