Recalling our past offers us hope for the future, and it is no wrong to say that our church’s history inspires hope when we reflect on God’s faithfulness over the years. With all sense of gratitude to God and our pioneering generation, we enjoy spreading the goodness of God as a
faith community. In the Lord’s ministry, Sembawang Tamil Methodist Church was founded 89 years ago. Our church boasts a remarkable history spanning four generations of congregants and multiple pastors.
The church started its groundbreaking effort in the Seletar Naval Base as early as 1928. It began as a house church and was run by the Rev. J.A. Supramaniam together with Mr. V. Devasagayam, Mr. Athisayam, and Mr. V. Chelliah. The number of Indians working at the Naval Base increased, and the church began to expand. With the blessing of the Lord, the church was founded in 1934 and was supervised by Rev. V.A. Chelliah. Mr. V. Devasagayam, a lay preacher, was appointed as a supply pastor. Ultimately, in 1940, a school building was constructed at 150 Jalan Sembawang Kechil thanks to the efforts of Rev. J.V. Ayadurai and Rev. S.M. Thevathasen. It was used for worship from 1948 until 1970.
The congregation nominated Rev. V. Chellam as both the congregation’s supply pastor and the principal of the Tamil School. A few TTC students, including Mr. Joseph Devasagayam, Ms. Jannet Chinniah, and Mr. E.J. Thoraisingam, also worked for the church for a while. At this point, the
name “Seletar Naval Base” was significantly changed to “Sembawang Naval Base.” In addition, the school had to close because of low enrolment. Rev. R. Prabu Das Roberts was appointed pastor of the Church in 1970. The congregation’s worship schedule at St. Andrew’s Church on Admiralty Road East was arranged in 1972 by Mr. T. Mariadass, the church lay leader, and Mr. Bob Sanddon, the chaplain’s ministry of defence. The church was temporarily led by Mr. Philip Jesudass as supply pastor until Rev. J. Daniel assumed pastoral duties in 1974. Following him as the pastor of the circuit, which included Marsiling operations, was Rev. William F. Harris. Rev. Martin Alphonse assumed leadership in 1980. After renovations were made to the former school building, the congregation relocated to 150 Jalan Sembawang Kechil. Rev. Dr. E.J. Thoraisingam assumed pastoral responsibility in July 1983. Following this, the church was led by the following pastors:
Rev.Premkumar (1985–1986), Rev. Vernon Samuel (1987–1989), Rev. Milton Lazarus (1990–1993), and Rev. Philip S. Abraham (Sep 1993–1999). In 2004, Rev. Philip Abraham was once again assigned to the church. On a combined allocation basis, the HDB offered the Smyrna Assembly
and the Sembawang Tamil Methodist Church a church site at Yishun St.11 in February 1992. After the property was acquired, the new church started to take shape. The groundbreaking ceremony was held at 5:30 p.m. on May 17, 1997. On December 31, 1995, the church relocated from 150, Jalan Sembawang Kechil to 3 Yishun St. 11. On January 1,1996, we began worshiping in a 30-foot container. Later, a building for worship was built in its place since it was unable to accommodate the congregation. Later, as the church building progressed, worship sessions were held at the Boys’ Brigade Camp site at Sembawang Road from February 1, 1998, to July 25, 1999. Later, on August 1, 1999, the church relocated to its new location at Yishun Street 11. God is to be
praised! On August 29, 2004, Bishop Dr. Robert Solomon of The Methodist Church in Singapore gave the New Church Building its formal dedication to the glory of God. We continue to worship together as a one faith community at the 3 Yishun Street 11 premises only by the overwhelming
mercy of God. Even though this is a very challenging year for our church, we continue to put our strong trust in God, who can work wonders in the life of His church.
Pastoral Appt for Sembawang TMC from 2009 -2024
Year PIC Pastor – Asst/ Assoc
2009 Rev Ebinezar Mohan
2010 Rev Ebinezar Mohan
2011 Rev Ebinezar Mohan
2012 Rev Prabhu – Rev Isaac Raju
2013 Rev Philip Abraham – Rev Isaac Raju
2014 Rev Philip Abraham
2015 Rev Philip Abraham – Rev Isaac Raju
2016 Rev James Nagulan – Rev Isaac Raju
2017 Rev Vijay Joseph
2018 Rev Vijay Joseph
2019 Rev Vijay Joseph
2020 Rev Vijay Joseph
2021 Rev C Saravana Kumar
2022 Rev C Saravana Kumar
2023 Rev C Saravana Kumar – Rev Adlin Jacob
2024 Rev C Saravana Kumar – Rev Adlin Jacob
Sembawang Tamil Methodist Church 