Armenian Church in Singapore
As mentioned previously in the Saber Lily post, this is the Armenian Church that I visited last Saturday.
The Armenian Church of St. Gregory the Illuminator is Singapore’s oldest church, located in Hill Street. It was built in 1835 and designed by an Irish architect, George D. Coleman. The church is dedicated to St Gregory the Illuminator, the first Armenian monk. It is now a national monument, gazetted in 1973 by the National Preservation board.
In the early 1830s, the number of Armenian families grew due to the good business prospects in Southeast Asia. Thus, a place of worship was built to serve the Armenian community. Subsequently, a land was acquired from the government in 1833 to construct the church.
The main entrance to the church.
This is the parsonage house that was built around 1905 for the priest to reside. It is currently used as an administrative office by the volunteers who supports the church.
These tombs are found in the Memorial Garden within the church compound. These are tombs belonging to Armenians who died in Singapore. These tombstones were transported here in the late 1960′s from Bukit Timah.
I took a panoramic views of these stones that were assembled to form the Memorial Garden. This is indeed a sanctuary to the small Armenian community with a strong heritage and ties to the socio-economic development of Singapore.
[Click on the image for the panoramic view]
Armenian Church Official Website
http://armeniansinasia.org/
A timeless building surrounded by modern structures… (as seen by the second pictures)
On the other side, next, you find yourself right into the context.
Tombs your took in panorama are superb! A remarkable work of sculpture. I appreciate it a lot.
Thanks for this new lesson
Lylibellule´s last blog ..Queen’s Gate IROHA- Review by Steve CHEN
wow its look great shape for an old building. like lyli said, very interesting contrast with the surrounding buildings. did you look around inside?
nice panoramic shot, a few of the sculptures are missing heads
rockleelotus´s last blog ..Wing Keyblade WIP 03 -Structure and Design Upgrade-
The tombstones by themselves are a work of art!!! I enjoy looking at old buildings and their architecture. I nearly wanted to be an architect in my early days ( play too much lego
)
Awesome pictures man
chubbybots´s last blog ..Corruption Part 1
I don’t know the Armenian, but as the oldest church, it’s still great-looking.
divinelight´s last blog ..February Loot, Part 2
@Lyli,
Yep, the tombs are magnificent. It was the first time I actually went inside to the church compound after staying in Singapore for years. I guess there are many hidden gems in Singapore which I’ve not explored despite the facts that I’ve been here for 15 years.
—
@rockleelotus,
Yep, I did went inside the church but not the parsonage house. However, I didn’t take any photos of the interior. You can view the nice photos of the interior from the official web I attached at the end of the post. The interior isn’t very big, but you can get to know the 18th century construction better
—
@chubbybots,
So, what did you major in?
Architect is a good choice actually. See now, Singapore are doing constructions everyday. I like lego too. I was a lego maniac
—
@divinelight,
Yep, it’s very well kept since it has already become a national monument.
oh god i’m late. I’m sorry :/
It’s a beautiful church, i love old buildings and usually i don’t like modern construction. Too cold and … well straight, flawless.
When there’s not even one imperfection in a house for instance i think it lacks of charm.
The tombstones are great too, not the kind of stuff you could have in your own yard
Thanks again for introducing the beauties of Singapore to us.
Katsura-chan´s last blog ..Stats and loot
Thank you Katsura-chan. It’s a pleasure always to read your comments.
the portico and columns are Greece style
reminds me of my university assignment, the ‘capra rotunda’, hahah
Lovely photos bro! The place looks so peaceful, perfect for a religious building.
heathorn´s last blog ..old gunplas
Thank you heathorn.
I presume that you are referring to Villa Capra “La Rotonda” huh. That is a magnificent building bro. What was your faculty, may I ask?
[...] the rest here: Armenian Church in Singapore | softwerkz.net Share and [...]