St.Andrews Cathedral
11 St Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178959
Phone : +65 6337 6104
St.Andrews Cathedral , Singapore’s largest cathedral is a stellar example of colonial-era architecture and heritage.
If you’re in the Civic District, you cannot miss the imposing tower and spire of St Andrew’s Cathedral. This is, after all, Singapore’s largest cathedral and the oldest Anglican house of worship.
Designed by Colonel Ronald MacPherson in 1856, an executive engineer and superintendent of the Public Works Department, the English Gothic structure replaced the original chapel which was destroyed by not one, but two lightning strikes in 1852.
Scottish merchants funded the early construction of the church building, so the church was named after the patron saint of Scotland. Trained Indian convict labourers were involved in the cathedral’s construction.
In 1942, shortly before the fall of Singapore during World War II, the cathedral was used as an emergency hospital during the frequent air raids. Church service resumed in 1945, after the Japanese surrendered.
Gazetted as a national monument in 1973, the cathedral and its grounds hold a number of memorials and dedications.
Among them, the stained glass windows in the apse are dedicated to Singapore’s founder, Sir Stamford Raffles; its second British Resident, John Crawfurd; and Straits Settlements Governor, Major-General William Butterworth. You can also find tablets commemorating victims of the 1915 Sepoy Mutiny in Singapore.
Pick up a tour pamphlet and visit this grand St.Andrews Cathedral at your own pace during opening hours. Free guided tours are also available, but do call beforehand.
Source : yoursingapore .com
Architecture
The existing St.Andrews Cathedral cathedral was designed in a Neo-Gothic architectural style, and was finished with Madras chunam. The architect is said to have drawn inspiration for aspects of the design from Netley Abbey, a ruined thirteenth century church in Hampshire, England. The piers of the nave of Saint Andrew’s closely resemble the surviving piers at Netley.
Three stained glass windows are dedicated to three figures in Singapore’s early colonial history: the window at the center is dedicated to Sir Stamford Raffles; the windows on either side to John Crawfurd, the first major Resident of Singapore, and Major General William Butterworth, the Governor of the Straits Settlements. These windows are located at the apse, however, the original stained glass windows were destroyed during the Second World War. MacPherson is remembered in the grey and red granite memorial monument surmounted by a Maltese cross in the grounds and by the stained glass window over the big west door. Jalan Klapa was renamed MacPherson Road in remembrance of his work. The gallery at the West end was not part of MacPherson’s plan but added after the Cathedral opened. It has the only decorated elements in the church, with foliated pillars and pilasters, and crocketed arches.
Source : wikipedia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LhzFXBfGLI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rn5RyuXbGlM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0pX23U33h4
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Opening hours : Monday to Saturday 09.00AM to 05.00PM
Getting there : MRT City Hall
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