Balestier 76th Corps anniversary

To God be the glory! What a great day we had with the folk at Balestier to celebrate their 76th Corps anniversary and the end of first year in this new building. Now the folk begin with the second year and I am sure more progress will be made. It is a growing church, thanks to God and the wonderful team ministry under the leadership of Captain Hary.

Very early in the year, Captain Hary booked us for this special event. Unfortunately he was not able to be present himself as he is attending the International College for Officers in London and will not be back till early December.

Sister Anne Kwong was at Praisehaven to pick us at 10.00 a.m. for Balestier. Thus we were able to spend some time with the folk before the commencement of the meeting. The celebrations began with the singing of the Song "Thank You Lord for all Your goodness."  Yes, we have much to thank God for His leadings throughout the 76 years.

It had its humble beginning at Lorong Limau in the home of Mr.and Mrs. Syd Henson. The officers appointed to the Boys' Home at Kim Keat Road, Adjutant and Mrs. Harold Matthews reached out to the neighbourhood where our family lived. He held open air meetings and started a Sunday School in the home of Mr. Syd Henson.

The work grew and the Corps was opened at Balestier Road, hence it was called Balestier Road Corps in the beginning. And that's where  I began my spiritual pilgrimage at the age of five.

When Singapore fell to the Japanese in February 1942, the Corps closed down. Salvation Army officers were imprisoned at Changi Prison. But some of the folk met in secret to worship. In August 1945 when the Japanese were defeated and the British returned to rule Singapore, the Army restarted at Martaban road, on land owned by Mrs. Palmer. She later sold the land at a token sum of $3,000.00. In 1961, The Salvation Army built a new hall and quarters which served the community till it was sold during the time of Colonel David Bringans for about $7 million. The corps continued worshipping at Bishan till it moved into the present building. It had its official opening on 11th November 2011.

Time was given for testimonies and it was heart warming to hear folk praising God for what He has done for them. After the benediction the young people performed some items. There was also a power point presentation of the year's activities.

We concluded the celebrations with the singing of the well know Salvation Army song, "Come join our Army to battle we go, Jesus will help us to conquer the foe.."  The Salvation Army marches forward at Balestier.

We then adjourned upstairs to have lunch brought by the comrades of the church. It was a sonderful time of fellowship.