THE newest addition to the Anglo-Chinese School family, ACS (Inter-national), marked its much-awaited opening on Jan 3, 2005 with a Dedication Service.
The Principal, the Rev Dr John Barrett, conducted the service. Bishop Dr Robert Solomon, who offi-ciated at this momentous event held at 3 pm at the school’s newly-renovated premises at 61 Jalan Hitam Manis, also delivered the sermon entitled “Wisdom For A Lifetime”. All present went away with a sense of awe and gratitude to God for guiding this bold project to fruition.
True to the ACS spirit, the 300 guests and parents showed tremendous support with their overwhelming response. Together with the 140 students, everyone felt God’s glory and grace in the creation of this new international school.
In the words of Bishop Dr Solomon, it was amazing to see what had been achieved within a short period of time. He acknowledged the vision and dedication of the Chairman of the ACS Board of Governors, Mr Tan Wah Thong, the boundless energy and contributions of Mrs Goh Chi Lan, the Exeutive Director, and the leadership of the Rev Dr Barrett, the Principal.
Mr Tan echoed the sentiments of many present when he referred to the ACS heritage based on the vision of its founder, Bishop William F. Oldham, and to the school’s commitment to carry on that noble tradition. ACS (International) will, he said, nurture leaders of tomorrow with unflinching courage. It will turn out global citizens with moral character, rooted in Christian values.
Methodist Heritage Tour to be launched in March
Sign up for this tour and find out in a fun way the history of MCS
METHODISM in Singapore celebrates its 120th Anniversary this month, February 2005, but how much do you know about our heritage?
When, for example, were the earliest Methodist Churches organised? Who was the first local-born Methodist pastor? What did MPH originally stand for?
The many places and buildings in and around old Singapore convey an interesting and inspiring reminder of the pioneers who planted the seed of the Methodist movement in 1885 and nurtured the work during its critical early days.
To make the celebrations more meaningful, plans are being finalised to conduct initially half-day coach tours that will high-light where the first Methodist services were held and most of the earliest established churches and schools – Wesley Methodist Church, Telok Ayer Chinese Methodist Church, Tamil Methodist Church, and the original locations of Anglo-Chinese School, Methodist Girls’ School and Fairfield Girls’ School.
There will be opportunities to visit or stop by some of the institutions associated with Methodist history, such as the Mt Sophia vicinity where much early history took place. Naturally, many of the original buildings have given way to new develop-ments, but have had their heritage preserved as historic monuments.
These tours, run professionally on behalf of The Methodist Church in Singapore by Mr Tan Khey Cheow, himself a member of Changi Methodist Church, are scheduled to start some time in March. They will be very affordable and kept reasonably compact so that crowding will be reduced to offer participants opportunities to interact.
Churches, agencies and schools are encouraged to send their members, staff and students to go on this educational tour.
The tours will be initially conducted in English and Mandarin in separate groups to facilitate interaction, and it is hoped that they will run on a weekly basis on Saturdays, and on a weekday if possible, throughout 2005.
Please keep this in mind when the official launch is advertised in Methodist Message next month. For your convenience, you may book your tour (limited to 30 people) for your own church group, agency staff or school staff and students by contacting Mr Tan Khey Cheow directly at tel: 6334-6939 (office) or 9619-4958 (mobile phone), or email amityint@singnet.com.sg
This would simplify logistics, like picking up and concluding the tour from your premises.
If you have fewer than 30 people, arrangements can be made to group two or more batches from one district, for example, East Coast or Hougang.