OUR History

Our Story: A Light to the Nations

​

“It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob… I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.”
— Isaiah 49:6

​​

The story of Cairnhill Methodist Church began with a challenge—to step out in faith and into God's greater mission.

​

A Vision Cast

On 23 January 1994, during the Centennial Thanksgiving Service of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church (KKMC), a bold vision was born. Documented in "Vision 2000 – God’s Challenge, Our Commitment", KKMC members were challenged to leave the comfort of the pews and share their faith by planting new preaching points across Singapore.

​

The challenge was simple, yet radical: Go. Preach. Plant. Multiply.

​

A Seed Takes Root

In 1995, 15 faithful members of KKMC responded. What began as prayer and planning turned into movement. A year later, on 6 October 1996, Cairnhill Chapel held its very first worship service at Anglo-Chinese School (Junior). What started with just a few grew to 55 adult worshippers—each one a testimony to God's provision and purpose.

​

Just two years later, on 4 October 1998, Cairnhill Methodist Church was officially constituted as the 17th local church in the Trinity Annual Conference (TRAC) of The Methodist Church in Singapore.

​

A Shower of Blessing

It rained on that Sunday, 4 October 1998, as if heaven itself was marking the moment. More than 100 worshippers gathered with joy and anticipation at ACS (Junior) Auditorium for the founding service. Rev Peter Goh was appointed as our founding pastor.

​

It was a step of faith for all involved. KKMC gave generously, even as many of its members and leaders uprooted themselves to serve in this new church plant. 

​

A Mission That Still Burns

As Cairnhill Chapel was being established, Dr Denis Cheong, while waiting on the Lord, received a verse that would become our mission anchor—Isaiah 49:6. This verse has continued to guide our calling: that we are not only to restore, but to reach; not only to gather, but to go; not only to serve, but to shine.

​

From day one, we believed that God's vision for us was bigger than we imagined. And today, we continue to press on in that call—to be a light for the nations, bearing His salvation to the ends of the earth!