Our story
A piece of home in Singapore
The German-Speaking Protestant Congregation in Singapore has existed for over 50 years and celebrated its grand anniversary in 2022. For more than half a century we have been a place of faith, community and exchange for Germans and German-speaking people in Singapore. We look back gratefully on the past years and look forward to many more years together.
The beginning of a living community
The history of our community began on a special evening: On Christmas Eve 1972, Dr. Karl Rennstich, lecturer at the Trinity Theological College, celebrated the first German-speaking Christmas service in Singapore. In the chapel of the College on Mount Sophia, Protestant and Catholic Christians of German-speaking gathered for an ecumenical service - the starting signal for a growing and lively community.
An iconic logo
The chapel of the Trinity Theological College, where the first German-language service took place in 1972, has a unique roof structure that symbolises the Chinese character for "human". This inspiring architecture found its way into our community logo, which symbolises our connection to history and our openness to all people.
Dispatch of a parish vicar
In order to relieve Pastor Rennstich, parish vicars were sent in 1974 by the Evangelical Church for 2 years each to carry out community work and to give religious education at the German School, which was founded in 1971.
ORPC - Church Home
At the end of the 1970s, the congregation was looking for a permanent church home. The connection to a local community was desired. Since 1978, the services have been held at the Orchard Road Presbyterian Church (ORPC).
Organist Robert Navaratnam
Robert Navaratnam received a scholarship from the German Embassy and was trained as a gifted musician to be an organ builder in Germany. He has been playing the organ for the community since 1978. Since then, he has been looking after organs throughout Asia as an organ expert.
First official dispatch of a pastor in 1981
In 1981, with Friedrich Delius, a pastor was officially sent for the first time for 6 years from the Evangelical Church in Germany to the German-speaking Christian community in Singapore.
Rectory Faber Garden
Due to the high rental prices in Singapore, it became necessary to invest in the purchase of your own rectory. This was achieved in the mid-1990s through the support of the EKD and with the help of many donations. Since then, the pastors have lived in the rectory Faber Garden, where our family services, parish meetings, confi lessons and a lot of community life also take place.
From an ecumenical movement to an independent community
What began as an ecumenical movement soon developed further. Our congregation, which later gave itself the name "German-speaking Protestant Congregation in Singapore", offered a home to both Protestant and Catholic believers until the mid-1990s. The ecumenical orientation shaped our community life and strengthened the community.
Origin of the German-Speaking Catholic community
In 1991, dedicated Catholic services were held for the first time. In November 1991, Dagmar Melles, a pastoral officer was hired to organise a Catholic congregation. This led to the creation of the "German-Speaking Catholic Congregation of St. Elisabeth in Singapore" under the direction of Pastor Hans Jochen Fogl. Despite the separation into Protestant and Catholic communities, the ecumenical ties remained strong. Joint services and activities unite us to this day.
Origin of the German-Speaking Protestant Congregation
In February 1992, the Protestant and Catholic communities officially separated. In 1993, the German-Speaking Protestant Congregation registered with the government in Singapore.
Together into the future
Our history is characterised by cooperation, community and the constant effort to create a piece of home in Singapore. We invite you to become part of this living tradition and to live and celebrate faith together with us.
Interested in even more details?
Then watch our film on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the German-Speaking Protestant Congregation::