During my short layover in Singapore, I had the opportunity to visit another remarkable church, St. Andrew’s Cathedral which is located right in the heart of the nation’s civic district. Following my previous visit to the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, this means I managed to visit not just one, but two cathedrals in Singapore, each representing a different Christian tradition. While the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd is Roman Catholic, St. Andrew’s Cathedral belongs to the Anglican Church. It is not only the oldest but also the largest Anglican place of worship in the country. Because of its historical, architectural, and cultural significance, St. Andrew’s Cathedral was gazetted as a national monument in 1973 by the Preservation of Monuments Board (now part of the National Heritage Board). Conveniently, the cathedral is easily accessible via public transport, situated just next to City Hall MRT Station. This visit to St. Andrew’s Cathedral — my first time stepping into an Anglican church — felt particularly meaningful, as I carry the name of St. Anselm, a revered figure in both Catholic and Anglican Church history who once sought peace between the English crown and the papacy long before the Reformation. As someone baptized in the Catholic faith, visiting an Anglican cathedral reminded me how history has shaped both unity and difference in the Christian tradition.
 |
| The present St. Andrew’s Cathedral was built between 1856 and 1861 marking a fresh chapter |
 |
| The first church building on this site was struck by lightning in both 1845 and 1849 |
The Anglican Church, also known as the Church of England, emerged in the 16th century following the English Reformation, a period marked by political and religious shifts in Europe. Unlike the Roman Catholic Church, Anglicanism maintains a unique balance between Protestant theology and elements of Catholic tradition. In Singapore, Anglicanism was introduced in the early 19th century, following the arrival of the British in 1819. As Singapore grew into an important British trading post, the Church of England established its presence to serve colonial officials, settlers, and military personnel. Over time, it expanded into a broader Christian community. Today, the Anglican Diocese of Singapore oversees 27 parishes, with St. Andrew’s Cathedral serving as its mother church and spiritual center. Unlike the Pope’s central spiritual authority in Catholicism, the leadership of the Anglican Church is more decentralized. The British monarch—currently King Charles III—serves as the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, a role that is largely ceremonial today. This title dates back to the English Reformation, when King Henry VIII broke from the Roman Catholic Church and established the English Church under royal authority.
While the monarch no longer dictates church doctrine, they still play a symbolic role in preserving the Church’s place in national life, including the formal appointment of bishops on the advice of church and government leaders. This reflects the Church of England’s unique identity as both a religious institution and a historic part of the British constitutional framework. Spiritual leadership, however, is entrusted to the Archbishop of Canterbury, who is considered the primus inter pares (first among equals) among Anglican bishops worldwide. While he does not wield absolute authority like the Pope, the Archbishop of Canterbury plays a key unifying role within the Anglican Communion, which consists of autonomous churches across over 160 countries. Interestingly, my baptismal name, St. Anselm, belonged to an Archbishop of Canterbury who lived centuries before the Anglican-Catholic split, highlighting a shared spiritual heritage that predates the divisions of the Reformation.
 |
| The cathedral’s radiant white façade owes its smooth, marble-like finish to Madras Chunam |
 |
| The trio of stained glass panels behind the altar commemorates key figures in Singapore’s colonial past |
Although the allocation of land for this Anglican cathedral dates back to Sir Stamford Raffles’ 1822 Town Plan, actual construction of the first church building didn’t commence until 1835. Designed in the neo-Classical style by Singapore’s pioneering colonial architect George D. Coleman, the church was largely funded by the local Scottish merchant community. In honor of Scotland’s patron saint, it was named after Saint Andrew, one of the twelve apostles. A spire was added in 1842 to distinguish the church from nearby civic buildings, but it soon proved problematic as lightning struck the spire twice, in 1845 and again in 1849. Due to safety concerns, church services were halted in 1852. In 1856, the cornerstone for a new church was laid, replacing the original structure that had been demolished a year earlier. The current building was designed by Colonel Ronald MacPherson in the neo-Gothic style. Construction was carried out by Indian convict laborers, an approach common across colonial Singapore at the time, though viewed as controversial by today’s standards. The new church was completed in 1861.
In 1869, ecclesiastical jurisdiction was transferred from the Diocese of Calcutta to the Diocese of Labuan and Sarawak, and the church was formally consecrated as a cathedral in the following year. As the Anglican community expanded in the region, the Diocese of Singapore was established in 1909 to cover British territories in Southeast Asia, including the Malayan Peninsula, Siam, Sumatra, Java, and surrounding islands. It became a distinct Diocese of Singapore in 1970. Like the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, St. Andrew’s Cathedral was repurposed as an emergency hospital during World War II. Beyond its role as a place of worship, the cathedral has long served as a sanctuary and space of care during times of crisis, reflecting its enduring presence in both the spiritual and social life of the city.
 |
| Looking toward the cathedral’s rear, a 1954 pipe organ is visible on the upper gallery |
 |
| This stained glass panel above the main entrance features the four Evangelists |
The striking white façade of St. Andrew’s Cathedral owes much of its brilliance to its Madras Chunam finish—a type of polished lime plaster originating from the Madras (now Chennai) region in India. Made from a mixture of shell lime, egg whites, sugar, and coconut husk fibers, this material was widely used in British colonial architecture, particularly in tropical climates, due to its durability, smooth finish, and resistance to mold and humidity. Once applied and polished, Madras chunam gives buildings a marble-like sheen and an elegant, radiant white appearance—precisely what we see on the cathedral’s exterior today. Inside, one of the most striking features is the trio of east-facing stained glass panels in the apse, located directly behind the altar. Each lancet window honors a key figure in Singapore’s colonial past—Sir Stamford Raffles, John Crawfurd, and Major General William Butterworth. These tributes are conveyed not through portraits but through emblems subtly woven into the stained glass designs. The central lancet, installed in 1961, commemorates Raffles as the founder of modern Singapore, flanked by panels dedicated to Crawfurd, the second British Resident, and Butterworth, a former Governor of the Straits Settlements. Together, these windows reflect the cathedral’s historical ties to Singapore’s early civic leadership.
The stained glass panel above the main entrance of St. Andrew’s Cathedral is also an equally striking visual. This composition features lancet windows, each depicting one of the traditional symbols of the four Evangelists—Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. In this panel, the figures are shown in reverent poses, each holding or reading from a scroll or book, symbolizing their roles as Gospel writers. The vivid colors and detailed craftsmanship reflect the Gothic style and theological depth, emphasizing the centrality of the Word in Anglican worship. This artistic expression not only enhances the cathedral’s spiritual atmosphere but also serves as a visual catechism for all who pass through its doors. In recent decades, St. Andrew’s Cathedral has expanded beyond its historic nave to meet the needs of a growing congregation. The addition of the north and south transepts has provided essential space for halls, meeting rooms, and offices. Further developments include the Cathedral New Sanctuary as a contemporary worship space, as well as the Cathedral Welcome Centre, designed to receive visitors and newcomers. Another significant addition is the Chapel of All People, offering a quiet space for reflection and prayer open to all, regardless of denomination. These enhancements reflect the cathedral’s role as both a spiritual and community hub.
 |
| The baptismal font inside St. Andrew’s Cathedral, a symbol of Christian initiation |
 |
| Military emblems honor various regiments historically associated with the cathedral |
In a place that bridges colonial heritage and living faith, the connection felt quietly profound. Standing within the grounds of St. Andrew’s Cathedral, I was reminded of how a historic landmark can continue to evolve and serve its community in meaningful ways. Beyond its striking architecture and storied past, the cathedral remains a living house of worship, embracing the diversity of Singapore’s Anglican community. While regular services are conducted in English, the cathedral also offers worship in Mandarin, Hokkien, Burmese, and Cantonese—extending welcome and belonging across generations and cultures. My brief visit may have only skimmed the surface, but it left a lasting impression of how tradition and faith continue to walk side by side in the heart of the city.
St Andrew's Cathedral
Mother Church of the Anglican Diocese of Singapore
Location 11 St Andrew's Road, Singapore
Weekly Services Schedule (English Services)
Saturday, 04.45 PM
Sunday, 08.00 AM, 09.30 AM, 11.30 AM, 04.30 PM
*with varying schedules of Holy Communion and Morning Prayer
Comments
Post a Comment