Methodist Message (MM) is the official monthly publication of The Methodist Church in Singapore.
The Malaysia Message (TMM), precursor to the Methodist Message, launched in October 1891 with a tagline drawn from Isaiah 42:12 (KJV): “Let them give glory unto the Lord, and declare his praise in the islands.” This verse expressed the defining purpose of the Methodist Episcopal Mission (MEM) foreign missionaries. Founded to keep supporters back home informed of work in the region, TMM has been published monthly—barring breaks during and after World War II—making it probably the longest-running compendium of Methodist church history in Singapore and the region, spanning more than 130 years.
The inaugural issue highlighted the harsh realities of tropical missionary life. Both Bishop William Oldham and Bishop James Thoburn were absent due to ill health, and first editor J.C. Floyd departed after just four issues, his physicians deeming “restoration to health very improbable in this climate.” W.G. Shellabear succeeded him in February 1892, though his wife’s health soon required their temporary return to England.
Shellabear was also founder and manager of the American Mission Press (AMP), established in December 1890, which printed TMM from its inception and was renamed the Methodist Publishing House in 1906. Beyond his editorial contributions—he stepped up as TMM editor periodically until December 1915—Shellabear is celebrated for his Malay writings and Bible translation.
TMM’s early vision extended beyond denominational lines, publishing contributions from Presbyterians and Anglicans alike, with news from Singapore, Malaya, Borneo, Batavia, and Sumatra—a truly regional chronicle of faith.
Methodist Message serves as a precious record of God’s faithfulness to the Methodists here. Today we hope that MM, in both its print and digital format, will continue to play this role, to edify and inspire the Methodist community and beyond.