Singapore’s rich tapestry of cultures extends to its religious landscape, with Christianity being one of the most prominent faiths. There are many beautiful churches in Singapore, each with its unique history, architecture, and traditions.
Amongst the 75 national monuments, 11 are churches!
Children can learn about the religion and its rich history and traditions by visiting churches in Singapore. This can help them develop a deeper understanding of the world around them and foster a sense of respect for other cultures.
The most famous churches in Singapore
St. Andrew’s Cathedral
National Monument. This majestic Gothic Revival-style cathedral is the oldest Anglican church in Singapore, built in 1961. Its towering spires dominate the skyline, while stained-glass windows and intricate details create a truly awe-inspiring atmosphere.
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Cathedral of the Good Shepherd
National Monument. A Roman Catholic cathedral is known for its neo-classical architecture. This is one of the oldest Catholic churches in Singapore (built in 1847).
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Armenian Church of St. Gregory the Illuminator
National Monument. The oldest church in Singapore, built in 1835, is considered a masterpiece designed by Irish architect George D. Coleman. This Armenian Apostolic church features a distinctive blend of architectural styles, reflecting the heritage of its community.
Chijmes (Church of the Holy Infant Jesus)
A former Catholic monastery beautifully restored and transformed into a lifestyle destination. The Gothic-style church still holds regular services and offers a unique glimpse into Singapore’s history. It became famous worldwide with the movie “Crazy Rich Asians”.
Church of Saint Alphonsus
It was constructed in 1950. The conserved building, which houses the main worship hall, was designed by Swan and Maclaren (a pioneer architectural firm in Singapore in the first half of the 20th century).
Church of Our Lady of Lourdes (1888)
National Monument. The Church of Our Lady of Lourdes is an old church built for Tamil people in Singapore. It was built in Little India in 1888 because of the rapid growth of the Indian Catholic community. The church is beautiful, with stained-glass windows and a special grotto inside.
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Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul
National Monument. The Church of Saints Peter and Paul is a very old church built in 1870 for Chinese people in Singapore. You can still see big Chinese characters on its façade. It has beautiful stained glass windows.
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Church of St Teresa
National Monument. The Church of Saint Teresa is a beautiful church built in 1929 for the Hokkien people in Singapore.
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Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
National Monument. The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is an old church in Hougang, built in 1901. It was built for the Teochew Catholic people. The church is beautiful, with big windows and statues.
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Prinsep Street Presbyterian Church
National Monument. Prinsep Street Church is one of the oldest churches in Singapore. It was built for Malays, but now people of all backgrounds go there. In 1931, a new church building was built and designed by the renowned local architectural firm Swan & Maclaren. The church is also famous for starting the Boys’ Brigade in Singapore!
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Saint George’s Church
National Monument. Saint George’s Church is a very old church built by British soldiers in Singapore in 1913. It’s made of red bricks and has big windows to let in light and air. During World War 2, the church was used to store ammunition but is now a place of worship again!
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Saint Joseph’s Church
National Monument. Saint Joseph’s Church is one of the oldest churches in Singapore built in 1912 for Portuguese people. It has a beautiful design with blue tiles and big stained glass windows. The church also used to run schools for children. Today, people of all backgrounds go to this church.
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Telok Ayer Chinese Methodist Church
National Monument. The Telok Ayer Chinese Methodist Church, built in 1924, is the oldest Methodist church for Chinese people in Singapore. It started small but grew with the community. The church building is beautiful and mixes Chinese and European styles. Today, people can worship there in English, Mandarin, or Hokkien.
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Major Christians celebrations
- Christmas: 25 December 2024: Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is traditionally a time for family gatherings, attending church services, exchanging gifts, and enjoying festive meals.
- Easter: 31 March 2024: Commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is considered the most important Christian holiday. Events include Good Friday services, Easter Sunday celebrations, and egg hunts (especially popular for children).
- Pentecost: 19 May 2024: This celebration marks the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples of Jesus Christ and marks the birth of the Christian Church.
How to Explain Christianity to Children?
Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the relationship with the person of Jesus, his teachings, and their interpretation by his apostles (also considered his friends). For Christianity, Jesus Christ is the son of God (which is contested by other religions). The followers of this religion are called Christians. Christianity itself is divided into several denominations: Catholicism, Protestantism, Orthodoxy…
Key points of Christianity:
- Belief in One God: Christians are monotheistic, believing in one God who exists as three persons: Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit. This concept is known as the Holy Trinity.
- The Bible: It is the sacred text containing God’s word and teachings. It’s a collection of writings that tells the story of God’s relationship with humanity.
- The Life and Teachings of Jesus Christ: Jesus is believed to be the Son of God, sent to Earth to save humanity from sin. His teachings emphasize love, forgiveness, compassion, and helping others.
- Salvation: Christians believe humans are inherently sinful and need salvation from God’s judgment. This is achieved through faith in Jesus Christ and his sacrifice on the cross.
- Eternal Life: Christians believe in life after death. Those who accept Jesus Christ will receive eternal life in heaven.
- The Importance of Morality and Good Works: Following God’s teachings and living a moral life are essential to Christianity. This includes helping others, treating them kindly, and following God’s commandments.
- The Second Coming of Christ: Christians believe Jesus will return to Earth one day to judge the living and the dead.
Activities to do with children to learn about Christianity:
- Read stories from the Bible.
- Color or draw stories from the Bible.
- Visit churches in Singapore.
Why visit churches in Singapore with your children?
Christianity is an ancient religion that marked the history of European countries and influenced their culture. Teaching children about Christianity can help them better understand the world around them and become more kind and compassionate.