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Singapore
during British rule in the year 1851 came under
direct control of the Governor General of India.
During this period, Tamil immigrants came to
Singapore. Christians, irrespective of their race or
language affiliations, attended St. Andrews Church
(founded in 1830) for Sunday English Worship. Soon
needs of the different congregations were realized
and that brought about the roots of Christ Church.
In 1862, Rev E.S. Venn laid the foundation for Tamil
Work. Peter Tychisus from Madras served as
missionary until 1868. From 1872, a Singhalese
priest from Ceylon Rev W. Henry Gomez served until
1902.
After 2
years, Rev R Richards took charge of the mission
work. In 1910, the first Tamil priest, Rev A.R.
Thavasiappan took charge. Rev R.K. Abraham succeeded
him in 1916, followed by Rev D.J. Devapriam who
served until 1920. In 1922, Rev S. Charles took
charge and served until 1928. In 1932, Rev Canon
C.D. Gnanamani succeeded him. He was a Tamil scholar
and composer of lyrics. He made a dramatic change in
the life of the Church. With shared proceeds (with
the Chinese congregation) from the sale of lands,
Canon Gnanamani was instrumental in the acquisition
the site at No.1 Dorset Road. The Tamil Parsonage at
118, Keng Lee Road was built. The Tamil Church at
Dorset Road was then known as Christ Church. Before
the foundation Stone was laid, Canon Gnanamani was
transferred to North Malaya in 1939. |
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His
successor, Rev Canon Samuel Baboo saw the laying of
the Foundation Stone on St. Luke’s Day, 18th October
1940, by Rt. Rev B.C. Roberts, Bishop of Singapore &
Malaya. The first service was held on Palm Sunday
April 6, 1941. In 1942, Christ Church and the
Vicarage faced bombing raids during which the roof
of the church, pews and kneelers were damaged and
was rebuilt within 3 months. Further more, a
Secondary School, Parish Hall and Church of the
Epiphany at Jalan Kayu were born .
In 1971, Rev
Canon C.A. Caldwell succeeded him as Vicar. He was
succeeded by Rev Villie Devapiragasan in 1979 as
Vicar until 1988, and Rev Kingsley Ponniah took
charge as the Vicar. He was succeeded by Rev Canon
Dr George Karunakaran from Madras in 1991 as the
Vicar and he served until the end of year 2004. Rev
J. Albert D Selwyn is the current Vicar |
