Latest on 400 Commonwealth Redevelopment Project
AS MEMBERS of Faith Methodist Church and Queenstown Chinese Methodist Church look forward to the end of the year when the Temporary Occupation Permit for their new building is expected to be issued, the sense of homecoming overwhelms them – not so much that they are coming home to a bigger and better place, but that they are coming back into His presence and grace.
His patience and love have seen the church members through so far, and will continue to be with them as they trust Him for the finances and His love to bind them together to work for His glory.
On May 31, 2003 Bishop Dr Robert Solomon levelled the concrete on the attic level, and the Topping-Up Service came to a close.
As the concrete slowly dried up, it also symbolically cemented the joint effort of the two churches in pushing forward the vision of preaching the good news of Jesus Christ, and meeting the needs of the community in Queenstown, Tanglin Halt and Holland Village.
For many, this is a significant milestone in the church redevelopment project. It symbolises the commitment both churches have resolved to undertake for the sake of God’s kingdom.
For several years, both Faith MC and Queenstown Chinese MC have been aware of the need to redevelop the church site to better serve the needs of the growing congregation and the community around it. Built in 1965, both churches have since outgrown the building. Scheduling of time slots and the sharing of facilities has almost become a fine art – it was through patience and accommodation that both operated out of the old church building at 400 Commonwealth Drive.
The journey has not always been smooth sailing. Differing ideas on how to move forward stalled the development for several years. It was in 1999 that the leadership of both churches got together again. Putting aside differences and seeing the greater needs of the congregation and the harvest, they launched the “400 Commonwealth Redevelopment Project”.
The new building will consist of a main sanctuary that will seat up to 900 people and a second worship hall that can seat another 700. Other facilities include: A Children’s Chapel with baptismal pool, car park lots at the basement and second storey, six rooms for the Nursery and Kindergarten, a social hall, counselling rooms, roof terrace with playground, a library, a music room, a columbarium in the basement for 6,000 niches, and an Elderly Care Room.
Thomas Ling is a member of Faith Methodist Church.